Student Creative Writing Samples

Student Writing
● Level 3, 4 Spring,
2006
● Interview 1
● Jobs
● Shopping
● Families
● Exercise and Sports
● Home
● Food
● Leisure Time and Vacations
● Interview 3
● Level 3, 4 Fall, 2005

● Interview 1
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Student Writing
● Jobs
● Interview 2
● Families
● Interview 3
● San Francisco
● Level 3, 4 Spring,
2005
● Interview 1
● Jobs
● Interview 2
● Shopping
● Families
● Interview 3
● Home

Student Writing
● Interview 4
● San Francisco
● Level 5 Spring, 2005

● Food
● San Francisco
● Jobs
● Animals and the Environment
● Level 3, 4 Fall, 2004

● Introduce your partner.
● Write about jobs.
● Interview 2.
● Write about shopping.
● Write about families.
● Interview 3.
● Write about exercise and

sports.

Student Writing
● Write about San Francisco.
● Interview 4.
● Write about education.
● Write about your home.
● Write about food.
● Interview 5.
● Level 6, Fall, 2004

● Write an ending to the story

Working at the Bank.
● Write about a
misunderstanding.

Student Writing
● Write about animals and the

environment.
● Write about leisure time.
● Level 6, Spring, 2004

● Write about health and

exercise.

● Write about a Language

Misunderstanding.

environment.
● Write about your native city.

Student Writing
● Write about money.
● Write about leisure time.
● Write about media.
Level 6, Fall 2003


● Write about health and

exercise.

environment.
● Write about your native city.

Student Writing
● Write about money.
Level 6, Spring 2003

● Talk about leisure time or vacations.
● How are food and food customs in

the U.S. the same or different from
food and food customs in your
native country?
● What surprised you when you first

came to San Francisco?
● What did you do during Spring

Vacation?
● How are people and pets in this

country the same or different from
people and pets in your native
country?

Interview 1
Interview 1
My partner's name is Carol. She lives in the Sunset. An Albertson's store is in her
neighborhood. She came to San Francisco in 1977. She is from Hong Kong. She likes
shopping and watching T.V., but she doesn't like exercise. She has a car.--Sally
My partner's name is Jun. He lives at 11 Avenue and Geary in S.F. His native
country is China. Jun has lived in S.F. for only 15 days. He doesn't have stores
in his neighborhood, and he doesn't have restaurants in his neighborhood. He
has lived in S.F. for only 15 days, so he doesn't know any restaurants. He
doesn't have a job now. He is a student. He doesn't have a car now. Jun likes to
play basketball in his spare time. Jun has a hobby. He uses a computer. He
likes to exercise. He likes to watch TV but not all the time. He watches TV in his
native language.--Valeria
My partner's name is Sally. She lives in the Richmond. Her neighborhood

store is Mervyn's. Her neighborhood restaurant is Lucky Penny and she
likes it too because it's close to her home. Sally came from China in 2001.
She has a job. She is a cashier. She has a car. She likes to sleep in her
spare time. She likes to watch TV. She watches TV in English and in her
native language, half and half.--Carol
My partner's name is Kate. She lives on Castro Street. Her favorite restaurant is Sushi
because there is good food there. She came to San Francisco 25 months ago. She is
from Ukraine. She doesn't have a job. She doesn't have a car. She likes to go jogging.
She likes to watch TV.--Ru Xin
My partner's name is Bobo. He lives in the Richmond. It's a good location. There
are many stores near his house; bookstores and restaurants. His favorite
restaurant has Thai food. He came to S.F. 6 months ago. He's from China. He's
a student now. He doesn't have a car.--Lin
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Interview 1
My partner's name is Kyunghae. She's 36 years old. She's originally from

Korea. Kyunghae has already lived in San Francisco for six months.
She's here with her husband and two children. She likes Korean food,
Sontopu. She plays piano and she would like to teach children to play it.
On weekends she goes with her family on a picnic. Her hobby is listening
to music.--Nino
My partner's name is Ia. She lives in the Richmond. Her neighborhood store is
Walgreens. Her neighborhood doesn't have a restaurant. Her favorite restaurant is a
Japanese restaurant. She likes sushi. She came to San Francisco 4 months ago. She
is from Georgia. She doesn't have a job now. She is a student. She doesn't have a car.
In her spare time she likes to read books. Her hobby is playing tennis. She likes to
exercise. She likes to watch English TV.--Alex
My partner's name is Lin. She lives in the Sunset of S.F. She has some stores in
her neighborhood. Her favorite is a Chinese restaurant. She likes seafood. She
came to San Francisco 10 years ago. She doesn't have a job right now. She's a
housewife. She likes to read and study in her spare time.--Bobo
My partner's name is Xiue. She lives in San Francisco in the Richmond,

next to the Safeway. There is a Chinese restaurant in her neighborhood.
Her favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. She likes it because it is
delicious. They have Chinese food. She came to S.F. in 2002. She's from
China. She doesn't have a car and she doesn't have a job. In her spare
time she likes to play on the computer. She doesn't have any hobbies and
she doesn't like exercise. She likes to watch TV every day. She watches
a Chinese channel.--Kholoud
My partner's name is Kholoud. She lives in the Sunset. Her favorite restaurant is an
Arabic restaurant, because she likes Jordanian food. She came to San Francisco in
2005. She is from Jordan. She likes her job now. She works as a waitress. She doesn't
have a car. In her spare time she likes to use a computer.--Xiue

Interview 1
My partner's name is Connie. She lives in the Sunset. She lives at 27th Ave.
and Noriega. There are stores in her neighborhood: Walgreens, Safeway, El
Chico, a gas station, and a supermarket. There are a lot of restaurants in her
neighborhood: Japanese restaurants, Chinese restaurants, but only one
Vietnamese restaurant. Her favorite restaurant has vegetarian food. She likes
vegetables a lot. The kind of food in the vegetarian restaurant is vegetables and
tofu. She doesn't have a job. She likes to exercise and read Chinese
magazines. She has a Honda and two children. She likes to watch Chinese T.V.
shows.--Thanh Em
My partner's name is Alex. He is 21 years old. He was born in China. He

arrived in San Francisco in March, 2005. He lives on Turk. He likes
Chinese food. Near his home is a Safeway. He is a student and not
working now. He doesn't have a car. In his free time he likes to watch TV.
He likes to play basketball and he likes to exercise.--Ia
My partner's name is Ma. She is from Burma. She came to S.F. in 2005. She now lives
on Scott Street. The grocery store is very near her house. She doesn't have a job now.
She is a student. She likes Chinese food very much. She likes to play basketball in her
spare time.--Bruce
My partner's name is Bruce. He lives in Chinatown. The store in his

neighborhood is Walgreens. His neighborhood has an Italian restaurant. His
favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. He likes its noodles. He came in
2004. He is from Hong Kong. He has no job because he is a student. He doesn't
have a car. In his spare time he goes shopping. His hobby is walking. He likes
exercise. He likes to watch TV. He likes to watch in both English and his native
language.--Ma
My partner's name is Nino. She is from Georgia. She lives on Geary with
her family. She is 20 years old. She is not married. She has been here 4
months. She doesn't have a job. She wants to get a job. Her favorite
restaurant is a Georgian restaurant. She likes Georgian food. She likes to
go for a walk in her spare time. She likes to collect candles. She likes San
Francisco.--Kyunghae
My partner's name is Ru Xin. He lives on 29th Street. He is from China. His favorite
restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. He likes it. He came to S.F. one year ago. He
doesn't have a job now. His family has four cars. Two of them are small busses. He
likes to swim and go to Golden Gate Park. His hobby is watching TV. He watches TV
in his native language.--Kate

Interview 1
My partner's name is Thanh Em. She lives in the Sunset on 30th Ave and
Noriega. Her neighborhood has some stores, Safeway, Walgreens, a grocery
store, and a Japanese and Vietnamese restaurant. Her favorite food is
Vietnamese food because everything is good. She came to S.F. in 1994. She is
from Vietnam. She is a housewife now and takes care of her children. She has
an old car and her hobby is watching TV shows.--Thanh Em
My partner's name is Stanley. He lives in San Francisco on Harkness

Ave. His favorite restaurant is Haky. He likes this restaurant because the
food is delicious. The kind of food in Haky is Chinese. He came to San
Francisco in 1987. He is from Vietnam. He doesn't have a job. He has a
car. He likes to watch TV in his spare time, and read the newspaper. His
hobby is playing soccer. He doesn't like to exercise. He usually watches
TV in his native language, but sometimes he watches the news in
English.--Capitzy
My partner's name is Capitzy. She lives in S.F. on Julian Ave. between Valencia and
Mission. Her neighborhood has Mexican and Chinese restaurants. She likes to cook
and work in the kitchen. She likes Mexican food. She comes from Mexico. She has
lived in S.F. one year. She doesn't have a job or a car. She is a student at John Adams
Campus. She likes to listen to music and read books. Her hobby is painting pictures.
She likes to swim and watch TV in English and Spanish.--Stanley
My partner's name is Su. She lives in the Sunset. Her neighborhood store is
Safeway. She came to San Francisco in 1992. She is from China. She has a
Toyota. She doeesn't like to exercise. She likes to watch TV.
My partner's name is Valeria. She lives in Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

There are no stores or restaurants in her neighborhood. She has no
favorite restaurant now, because she came to San Francisco only two
months ago. Maybe later she will have one. She's from Russia. She has
no job now and no car. She likes running in her spare time. Her hobby is
playing on the computer. She likes to exercise. She likes to watch TV
sometimes.--Wei Jun
My partner's name is Mei Hing. She lives in Millbrae. Her favorite restaurant is a
Chinese restaurant. She came to San Francisco in 2001. She is from Hong Kong. She
has a car and in her spare time she likes to listen to music. She likes to run. She likes
to watch TV in English.--Xue Juan

Jobs
Write About Jobs
I had a job before. I was a busser in an Italian restaurant. In my country, I was a

kitchen helper. I think in America, finding a job is not very difficult because there are
many ways you can use to find a job. But, for some people who don't know English, it
is not easy to find a job. In Hong Kong before, women's jobs were not the same as
men's, but nowadays there is no difference.--Bruce
My name is Adel. I am a teacher. I like my job because I am happy with my

major. My major is chemistry. Now, I will register in San Francisco State
University to take a Master degree in Biochemistry. Finally, I hope to achieve my
goal.--Adel
I don't have a job in San Francisco, but I want to look for a job. My brother
thinks I don't have to look for a job. He wants me to help him in his house.
I was working in a Kodak Express store. I was a manager.--Ru Xin
I have a job in San Francisco. I'm a waitress in a restaurant. I think a counter job is a
good job for me because I worked in this job in my country.--Sally
I have no job in San Francisco. I have been a student guide in my country. I

think accountants and doctors are good jobs. I think cashiers and receptionists
are bad jobs. I think jobs for men are doctors and managers, and jobs for
women are teachers, computer programmers and business management in the
U.S.--Ma
My name is Alex. I'm 21. I came to San Francisco 9 months ago. I have
no job in S.F. yet. I need a job. I am a student now, but I usually read
newspapers looking for jobs. I think looking for a job in S.F. is hard,
because I just know a little English.--Alex
My name is Carol. I was a fashion designer in my country and in San Francisco too.
Now I'm out of work. I'm going to look for another job, so now I want to study English. I
hope to have a change. I'm going to look at newspapers or ask friends.--Carol
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Jobs
Hi. My name is James. I came from Tokyo, Japan but I was born in Shanghai,
China. Eighteen years ago, I went from Shanghai to Tokyo, Japan. I was a
teacher in Shanghai. When I went to Tokyo, I studied Japanese again. In Japan,
I was a businessman. I moved to San Francisco in January, 2004, because my
parents live here. I don't have a job because I speak English very badly. I want a
job but I don't like to do just anything. I like a teacher's job.--James
My name is Stanley. In my native country, I had a job. When I arrived in

San Francisco, I went to work with my brother because he is a foreman at
a construction company and he taught me how to do it.--Stanley
I think San Francisco is a good place to look for a job, because S.F. has a lot of jobs.
Some are good jobs and some are bad jobs. Sometimes people work in construction
and it doesn't pay good. In my country there is a lot of work. Women work the same as
men, like in the US. I think that all work is good but the best is in architecture because
this work is more useful for people in designing buildings, houses, etc. Bad work I think
is the people who work in the fields. The pay for farmworkers is too low.--Copitzy
I have a job in San Francisco. I am a waitress in a restaurant, but I don't like my

job. I come to school every day to learn more English. After this I will go to
another college to study nursing. I like being a nurse. If someone asks me about
looking for a job in San Francisco, I'll tell him about the agency or the Internet or
newspapers. I didn't have a job in my country. I was a student in my country and
in my country the jobs for men are different than jobs for women. Men can do
any job but women can't, but right now women can do a lot of things like men.
The men in my country can be taxi or truck drivers, but the women can't do that
or a lot of things, but now everything is changing.--Kholoud
I don't have a job. I want a parking job in a hotel or parking lot. My friends
will look for a job for me. I was a student in my country. I think being a
policeman or banker is a good job, but my English is not good. That's my
problem. I want a parking job because I like cars so much.--Bobo

Shopping
Write About Shopping
I don't like to go shopping, but I have to buy something. I go shopping twice a week. I
usually shop at Safeway, Sunset Supermarket, and the Farmers Market because I can
buy my favorite food there. My favorite stores are Old Navy, Cosco, and Ross. When I
go shopping, I really want to buy whatever I need to use. Sometimes I shop on the
Internet. I don't like to go out. I'm too lazy to walk. I can find things on the Internet.--Lin
I like to go shopping during the weekend. I usually go to Safeway for groceries,

and for clothes I usually go to Macy's. Walgreens is my favorite store so I
sometimes go there. I sometimes go to the Salvation Army to buy some used
clothes. I really like windowshopping. I never use a credit card. I never shop on
the Internet. In San Francisco, shopping is very convenient for me, but in my
country it is not very convenient.--Bruce
I like to shop. I liked to shop for a long time in my native country. After I
came to the U.S., I still liked to shop. I go to Chinatown and buy some
vegetables, meat, fish and fruit. The food in San Francisco is the same as
Shanghai's food, for the price. I sometimes go to Macy's department store
and buy clothes. I don't like to use a credit card because I think credit
cards aren't very safe.--Ru Xin
I don't like to shop. When I need to buy something for my children, I will go. I usually
shop for groceries at Safeway and Walgreens every week. When I see in the
newspaper what shops have something on sale, I'm ready to go there. I buy snacks for
my children and I buy some food for my family. I cook every day, so I need to buy
vegetables, meat, shrimp, noodles, etc. Sometimes I go shopping for clothes at Sears,
Ross, Mervyn's and Toys "R" Us. I usually use my credit card, because I get a credit
rebate coupon. I don't have any favorite store. I like the stores where things are cheap,
because I want to save money.--Thanh Em
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Shopping
I like shopping. Sometimes I go to used stores and the Farmers Market. I

usually buy some things at Costco. I seldom shop on the Internet. I like to go
Christmas windowshopping. I never use a credit card, but I use one at Macy's. I
like to shop in San Francisco. In my native city, stores are very different. In my
native city, the Farmers market and stores have no holiday.--Judy
I like to shop every weekend in Chinatown because it has supermarkets,

groceries, and many different stores. My favorite store is Foodco. My
daughters like it too. Every time my daughters and I go there, they want
me to buy a lot of candy.--Stanley
I like shopping. I think shopping is very interesting. I can see many different things and
I can find many interesting things. I think shopping is the same in San Francisco and in
my native country. I like to shop for clothes, but I never shop for used clothes.
Sometimes I like windowshopping because I feel that it is interesting. I like shopping
with my friends when we have time.--Jiao Xia
I like to shop and go windowshopping too, because a lot of things are beautiful
and interesting. When I buy a favorite thing, I will be happy for a long time. My
native country is like San Francisco, and has large buildings for shops and
supermarkets, Macy's, and something like that.--Carol
I like to go shopping. I usually shop in boutiques and stores. I usually go

to Ross to buy some clothes and shoes. This is my favorite. I like to go
windowshopping too because I feel that it is very enjoyable for me. I do
not use a credit card because I am a newcomer. Anyway, I like San
Francisco.--Elaine
My name is Kin. I like shopping. I like to go to Chinese markets to buy meat and fruit.
They are fresh. If I buy groceries, I will go to Safeway to buy them. I like to use a credit
card at the store so I don't need to bring money.--Kin
I like shopping for clothes. In my country shopping is the same as in San

Francisco, but maybe just different in the store because in America, all things
are in one store, but in Jordan clothes are in one store and shoes are in another.
I usually shop in Macy's and J.C. Pennys. I like to windowshop to see what the
new clothes are. I sometimes buy something on the Internet, for example, CD
music of my favorite singer.--Diana

Shopping
I like to go shopping. Sometimes I go shopping in the shopping mall with

my family. In my country, if I buy something and I don't like it, there is no
return. In this country it is different. Sometimes I buy groceries in Safeway
and some food in Chinese stores. I never shop at garage sales or for
used clothes. I like to pay with a credit card because I keep good credit. I
never shop on the Internet. Sometimes I go windowshopping and just
look. My favorite store is a Chinese store.--Su
I seldom go shopping here. I don't like shopping here because I think it is not my style.
I usually send money to my Chinese friends and then they can buy clothes and send
them to me. I like to wear Chinese clothes because in my mind it fits me. It's important
that when the dollar changes to Chinese money, it will buy better things.--Meng Na
I don't like to shop, but I have to go shopping. I have to buy food and clothes for
my family. I prefer to buy food in Chinese stores because there it is cheaper and
I like Chinese food. I buy clothes for my daughter in Gap. She likes these
clothes. These clothes are a little expensive, but they are nice. For me, I prefer
to buy clothes in Ross.--Natalia
I don't like to go shopping because I have no job, and no money. I go to

shop three times a year. My favorite store is Gap. I really buy used
clothes. I usually wait for garage sales and discount sales. I like to go
windowshopping because I can see every kind of cothes from outside. I
use a credit card. I never shop on the Internet because I have no
computer. There is little similarity between shopping in San Francisco and
my native city. My native country is not developed. San Francisco is very
developed and a nice city.--Ma
Shopping in my native country is different than in San Francisco. In S.F., I usually shop
at Safeway. I never shop for used clothes. I don't shop with a credit card, so I don't
shop on the Internet. I don't like to go windowshopping.--Alex
I don't like to shop, but I have to. When I go grocery shopping, Ii go to Clement
Street. I buy clothes at garage sales. I don't use a credit card. I pay cash in the
store. My grandchildren like to shoop on the Internet.--Lev

Shopping
My name is Larysa. I like shopping in Russian grocery stores, Safeway,

and Trader Joe's. I like shopping for clothes in Mervyn's, Macy's, and
Nordstrom. I don't like to buy used clothes, but sometimes I buy
something at garage sales. I like shopping with a credit card. Sometimes I
like to buy something on the Internet. One time I bought shoes for me on
the Internet. My favorite store is Macy's, the perfume department. I like to
go shopping if I have money.--Larysa
The difference in shopping in San Francisco compared with Mexico is big for me. In
Mexico, the market is a big place, like a mall, but everything is more simple. It isn't
fancy, but it is a nice place to stay and shop because almost everybody knows each
other, and you can find everything, like shoes, meat, vegetables, dishes, clothes,
cooked food, toys, tools, etc.--Gloria
Shopping in my country is different than in San Francisco. I usually shop at

Safeway and sometimes in a grocery store. I usually shop for clothes at Ross or
Old Navy. My favorite store here is Costco, because it's big and I can find
anything I like or I need. In my country, I went to the store for clothes. I never
bought used clothes, and I don't in S.F. either. In my country there are no
garage sales, but I bought something on sale. I like to go windowshopping. I
don't use a credit card and I never shop on the Internet.--Kholoud
I like to go shopping because I can buy my favorite things. If the clothes

or shoes are on sale, my friends will take me out to look. Sometimes my
friend is very crazy. He can buy shoes for $150. He usually doesn't have
much money, so I will use my credit card to pay for him. He will give it
back to me the next day. I will look in the window and then I will go into
the store. If the store has many things on sale, I will look for my favorite
things to buy because I don't want to waste money. That's my money, so I
will think about if I really like this thing. If I really, really like it, I will buy it. I
will use a credit card to pay. I don't like to take a lot of money to go
shopping. I'm scared I will lose the money.--Wai King.

Families
Write About Families
I have a small family but my husband has a big family. They all live in San Francisco,
and my sister's family lives in Garden Grove. In my native country, women work
outside the home. I think it's better for women with small children to work part-time
than full-time. Older parents living with adult children is not good because children are
always active and noisy. Stereotypes about mothers-in-law sometimes are good and
sometimes aren't. I think parents shouldn't spank their children.--Thanh Em
I have a small family. My family is not all in San Francisco. My children and my
mother live in China now. They couldn't come with me. I usually talk with them
on the phone when I have time. My parents love me very much. I miss
everybody in my family because I like to work outside the home.--Xiu Ling
I have a small family. I only have a big sister. She lives in Vancouver with
her family. In my native country, most women work outside the home
now. I think when the children are small, women shouldn't have outside
work because children need to be with their mother. In San Francisco and
my native country, everything is expensive.--Carol
I have a big family but not all my family is in San Francisco. My brother and father are
in S.F. but my mother and sister are in Jordan. In my country, all women can have
work outside the home. I think it's a good idea for older parents to live with their adult
children because I feel older parents sometimes have a good mind and are curious.
Maybe a stereotype for mothers-in-law is negative.--Diana
I have a big family. We live in San Francisco and one brother lives in New
Mexico. In my native country, the women work outside the home and they own a
business. The children have a job. My idea is for older parents to live in a rest
home because there someone will always take care of them.--Stanley
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Families
I have a big family, two brothers and one sister and my mom. We all live
together in San Francisco. I have family in Mexico too. My aunt has two
children and she works outside the house. I think women with small kids
could work.--Jessica
I have a big family. I have two sisters and one brother. My family is not all in San
Francisco. My parents, brother and sister live in San Francisco. My wife lives in Tokyo,
Japan. My older sister lives in Shanghai, China. In Shanghai, some women work
outside the home. Some women work inside the home. I think women with small
children should have a job. Older parents living with their adult children is a good idea
because adult children can care for them. I think parents should spank their children.
There is a sterotype of mothers-in-law in my country.--James
I have a big family but they live in my native country. In San Francisco I have a
small family (a son, a husband and me). In my native country, some women
work outside of the home and some women are housewives. In my native
country, parents sometimes spank their children and husbands hit their wives. In
my native country a lot of people don't talk about mothers-in-law.--Judy
I have a small family. My family is in San Francisco. In my native country,

I was a bus driver and dispatcher. I had good benefits. My son is at
school. My parents have good benefits in China and my mother-in-law
does too. My family is very happy.--Xiue
I have a big family. I live in San Francisco. My family lives in my native country. In my
native country, women work outside and inside the home. I think women can have jobs
but women with small chldren can't have jobs because small children are very young. I
think small children can go to a preschool. I think adult children can live with their older
parents because adult children aren't confident. I think parents should spank their
children because some children are not so bad.--Ma
I have a small family. My family is all in San Francisco. I don't like to work, but I
like to walk. Sometimes it's a good idea for older parents to live with their
children. I don't think my mother-in-law is like the stereotype. She helps a lot.--
Kyong
I have a funny family, my husband and two daughters. They are twins and
are nineteen years old now. They study at Hong Kong University. We
always talk on the phone. We are Chinese. They like to live together with
their older parents. This is a good idea. I think women with small children
shouldn't have a job because they need to take care of their children.--
Elaine

Families
I have a small family. I live with my older parents. In my country, most women work
outside the home. In my country, spanking children is very normal. In Hong Kong,
usually women don't have a job if the children are small.--Bruce
I have a small family. I live with my husband and my 11-year-old daughter. My

older son lives in my native country. When my children were small, I didn't work
because I had to take care of them. In my native country, women who have
small children sometimes have to work.--Natalia
In the U.S., I live with my family. I don't live with my parents-in-law. My

parents live in China. In my country, I think some women work outside the
home. My parents-in-law live in San Francisco, not a different place. On
the weekend, my family and I go to visit them. Sometimes we eat
together, and sometimes we eat out. I like it.--Su
I have a small family, but I love my family. I only have two sisters and my parents. My
family is all in San Francisco. My parents and my older sister have a job. My younger
sister and I go to school. Sometimes I cook at home and my sister does too. In my
family, everyone must help. Everybody is nice in my family. I like my small family.--Jiao
Xia
My family is big. They are very friendly. I have two sisters, a father and mother.
They are all in San Francisco. My native country is China. Including all my
relatives, I have a big family. We live in the same city, but we have a different
culture. Look at my aunts. One has two small children. She doesn't work outside
the home, but my other aunt has two small children too, but she lives with her
older parents. They can take care of her children. Anyway, my family is nice.
Sometimes we go to visit them. Sometimes they come to visit us.--Meng Na
I have a big family. I live with my mother, my sister and my two kids. I
grew up with my grandmother in Mexico. It was positive for me. I learned
a lot from her. She was a strong and intelligent woman. She had a big
family. She had 12 kids, 7 women and 5 men. I love that my kids are
growing up with my mother; she loves my kids a lot and teaches many
things to them.--Gloria
I have a small family. I live with my father, because half my family is in S.F. and half is
in Jordan. In my country, some women work outside and some women stay home.
They take care of their children. I think it's good for older parents to live with their adult
children because they can watch the children when the parents are at work. I think
parents should not spank their children.--Kholoud

Exercise and Sports
Write about Exercise and Sports
I like to exercise every day, but I don't have time. Usually when I have time, I like to
play table tennis. Every Wednesday I keep one hour to play. When I was a kid, I liked
to run with the other students. I liked watching the Olympics on TV. I like to watch
surfing and baseball.--Xiu Ling
I like to exercise every day. I walk from my house to get the bus to come to
school. Every Sunday my brother and I go play soccer at the park. Sometimes I
like to watch TV when they are playing soccer. I don't like to watch the
Olympics. I think I could do something else like go run at the park or just play
some sports with all my friends.--Jessica
I really like exercise and sports. Every day I jog in the morning.
Sometimes I play ping pong with my son. Every weekend I play baseball
with my team. Sometimes I go to Ocean Beach to swim if the weather is
hot. In Japan baseball is very popular. A lot of people like to play and like
to watch. In China soccer is popular. I was a ping pong and baseball
player when in school. I like any kind of sports.--James
I like to exercise. I like to do aerobic exercise. Every morning I do thirty-nine exercises.

Soccer, table tennis, and volleyball are popular in my country. I liked to run and play
when I was young. In my country, men like soccer and women like aerobics. I watch
ice skating. I like to watch the Olympics on TV. I like the ice dancing the best.--Ma
I like to exercise. I go to school on foot every day now and I like to swim too. In
my country all the people like to play table tennis and badminton. Sometimes my
daughters play table tennis together with me all day, until we are tired. Our
family likes to watch Olympic sports on TV. This is a favorite of mine.--Elaine
I like exercise and sports. When I was a kid, I played soccer in school. In
my native country many sports are popular. I like swimming and walking
in the park. I like to watch Olympic sports on TV.--Lev
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Exercise and Sports
I don't like to exercise, but I like to watch the Olympics on TV. I watched the Olympics.
I like to watch ice skating. In my country, soccer is a popular sport.--Kyong
I don't exercise regularly. Sometimes I go to a swimming pool. Sometimes I play

volleyball with my daughter in the playground. When I was a kid, I really liked to
play badminton and dance. My favorite sport is figure skating.--Natalie
I don't like to exercise, but I like to walk every day. In my country, popular
sports are tennis, football, basketball, and ping pong. When I was a kid, I
played a lot of sports but I don't know the sports' names. I swam in a
small river in my country. Men and women like different sports in my
country. I really like to watch the Olympics on T.V. My favorite sports are
gymnastics and ice skating.--Thanh Em.
I like to swim on the weekend. I like jogging every morning. I don't like weightlifting and
gymnastics. In my country, popular sports are swimming and table tennis. I like to
watch volleyball and soccer on TV.--Mei Hing
I like to swim. I go swimming every month in the summer. I like to play soccer
and run in the park. That's good for me. I really like to watch the Olympics on
TV. My favorite sport is fishing. Anyway, I like exercise and sports.--Bobo
In my country, most men like to watch and play basketball, but women
like tennis and volleyball more than basketball. I sometimes play
basketball when I have time.--Bruce
I like to exercise. I like jogging on a treadmill. I do it two times a week. Men and
women like different sports in my country. Men like soccer and women like to do
housework and take care of their children. Some women like to jog. I like to watch
tennis on TV.--Kholoud.
I like to exercise because it is good for my health. When I was a kid, I liked to
play many sports. I liked to play basketball, ping pong, and badminton. When I
moved to San Francisco, I joined a kung fu group. I exercise with kung fu every
Wednesday. I watch ping pong on TV when I have free time because ping pong
is popular in my native country and I like to play it.--Meng Na

Exercise and Sports
I liked to exercise in my country. I played badminton and went bowling

once a week. Now I am a housewife and I don't play those now because I
don't have much time to do it. I just walk with my family on weekends. I
also watch sports on TV, and sometimes I watch the Olympics too. My
favorite sport on TV is gymnastics.--Lin

Home
Write About Your Home
I live in a house. It has two rooms, a living room and a bedroom, but it has a backyard
and a washing machine. We are two people living in it, and it's not bad. It is in a good
neighborhood, close to the bank, post office and many restaurants. I can walk there.
In my native country, it was different. I lived in a big apartment. It had five rooms, a
living room, dining room, and three bedrooms, and had two bathrooms and a washing
machine at home.--Sally
I live in the Sunset District. I live in a house. It has seven rooms, including a
kitchen and dining room. It has two garages and a small backyard too. My
neighborhood is very clean and quiet. My family likes living in the Sunset.--Carol
I live in a house. There are four rooms in my house. My husband and my

son live with me. We have a big yard in back, and there is a small yard in
front too. We have an old washing machine in the garage. We know our
neighbors. We are very close. I love my neighborhood because it is very
convenient. It is near the supermarket, library, bookstore, bus stop, and
restaurant. I think in the United States it is easier to do shopping than in
my country.--Lin
I live in Visitation Valley. It's very quiet and clean. My neighbors next door are very
good. They help me a lot. My house has three bedrooms, one kitchen, and one living
room. I have a dryer and washer in my kitchen. I can do my laundry any time when I
need to. It takes five minutes to drive to the supermarket. I like my neighborhood
because it has a lot of places I can park the car.--Stanley
I live in a house. The house has four bedrooms. Four people live in it. It has two
garages, a yard, and a washing machine. The house is different than in my
native country. In my native country, there are apartments, and the apartment
buildings are very tall. The apartments are very small and have two bedrooms.
They don't have a garage or a washing machine.--Mei Hing
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Home
I live in an in-law apartment. I have three rooms. My kitchen is very small.

I have a backyard, but we need to share. Housing in this country is
different than in my native country. In my country, there are no
apartments and no dryers. People like to hand wash their clothes and
people like to use the sun to dry them. In my country neighbors like to talk
and it's very nice.--Judy
I live in San Francisco. My address is 455 Bay Street. I came to San Francisco ten
years ago. My apartment is small, one room. I don't have a car. I have a washing
machine. In my native country the apartments are big, four rooms. I have a windy
apartment. It's on Bay Street. This is very bad.--Lev
I live in a house. My father bought this house in 1990. It's a big house. It has five
bedrooms, one living room and a kitchen. Also, it has a garage and a big yard. It
has a washing machine in the garage. My father always does the laundry. My
neighborhood is good. It's very quiet and clean. My neighbors are very friendly.--
James
I live in a house. It has four rooms. Two people live in it. It has one
garage. It has a big yard. The yard has a lot of flowers. It has a washing
machine and a dryer. Before, when I lived in China, the neighbors were
always very close. In San Francisco, the neighbors only say hi, but I like
this style.--Mei
I live in an apartment. My apartment has four floors. I live on the third floor. There are
four rooms in my apartment. Five people live in it. My apartment doesn't have a garage
or a yard. My apartment building has a washing machine on the ground floor. San
Francisco has many apartments and houses. My native country has houses but not
any apartments. I talk with my neighbors. They are seldom noisy. I think they live with
many children. I like my neighbors because they always help me.--Ma
I don't know my neighbors in San Francisco. In my country, I know all my

neighbors. It's very different in San Francisco. In San Francisco, life is not
together. Everybody lives alone. I'm very nervous. In my country, we eat, drink,
and live together. If I'm sick, somebody comes to my house and says, "How can
I help you? Do you need money or what? I'll help you." If I want something, I can
ask him or her to do everything for me. I like living together. San Francisco life is
very difficult for me.--Lishan

Home
I live in a house. There are four rooms in my house. I live together with
my dear parents and my younger sister. We have a garage, a yard and a
washing machine. Houses in San Francisco and in my native country are
so different. I like my neighborhood. My neighborhood is Chinese too. I
know an old woman in my neighborhood. She is affable.--Alex
I live in an apartment. My apartment has two rooms. There are three people in the
apartment, me and my parents. My apartment has a garage. My apartment has a very
small yard, and it has a washing machine. It's very convenient and easy to use the
washing machine. There is nothing different in my native country. I don't know anything
about my neighborhood.--Kholoud
I live in San Francisco with my friends. I arrived here last week. All my family
stayed in Brazil. I live on Castro Street. It's a good neighborhood. It's quiet and
there are bus lines close to my house. There are only three rooms. Now I am
sleeping in the living room, but things will be fine. There isn't a yard or a
washing machine, but there is a washing machine upstairs, so it's very easy to
wash my clothes. I live with two people. They are so nice and helpful.--Rafaela

Food
Write a Paragraph about Food.
I don't like to cook, because I don't know how to cook well. I only can cook easy food,
like boiled vegetables, fried beef, and fried chicken. I don't like to cook difficult food. I
like to eat many fruits--pears, oranges, apples, bananas, and avocados. I never ate
avocados in Hong Kong. When I came to S.F. I ate a lot.--Carol
I like Chinese food and American food. I don't like special food. The fruits I like
are bananas and oranges. The vegetable I like to eat is broccoli. The restaurant
I like is a Chinese restaurant and I don't like special food. Carol likes Chinese
food and she doesn't like special food either.--Mei Hing
I like to cook. I sometimes try to make different kinds of food. I make

cupcakes, salad, and pasta. I like my native country's salt fish. I don't like
spicy food, but I sometimes try a little of that. I like this country's fruits.
There are many kinds of fruits you can choose. I like to eat sushi when I
eat out.--Judy
I like to cook because every night I need to cook. Sometimes I cook chicken,
sometimes fish, beef, and pork. In my country, the special food is seafood. Some
seafood is crab and lobster. I never ate cherries before I came to San Francisco. My
favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. I like Malaysian food and I don't like
Japanese food.--Su
I like to cook. My native country's special food is Thai food. My family goes to
eat at a Thai Restaurant. My mother and older sister like spicy food more. Thai
food is very spicy. I never ate coconut.--Ma
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Food
I don't like to cook but I must cook every day. I always cook Vietnamese
food, and sometimes I cook Chinese food. In my country there are a lot of
special foods, but I don't know the English name. Sometimes, my family
and I go to a Chinese restaurant or a Vietnamese restaurant for a
birthday party. Sometimes, I eat Korean BBQ or at a Japanese
restaurant. Thai food is very spicy but I like Thai sour soup. I really like
fresh fruits in my country, but now I can eat frozen fruits that are too
expensive. My favorite restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant, but I like
different food from other countries.--Thanh Em
My native country's special food is Beijing duck. I like to cook too. I usually cook dinner
for my family. My family is from China, so I also make Chinese food. I sometimes try to
make other country's food. It is different, but looks like Japanese food. They don't cook
the fish but we do. I also change some things in Chinese food. I never made salad
before I came to San Francisco. Now I also use fresh fruit and vegetables to make a
salad. It is good for me to try to learn more about food. Actually, I like to make sushi
too.--Meng Na
In my family, I like to cook. Usually I cook Chinese food. Sometimes, on the

weekend, I cook Vietnamese food. I like spicy food but my daughter doesn't. On
the weekend I take my family to a Vietnamese restaurant. They like to eat
Vietnamese noodles. I don't like to eat hamburgers, but my daughter does.--
Stanley
I like Chinese food. I like fish and to make chicken soup. Sometimes I go
to a Chinese restaurant with my family two times a month, but I don't like
spicy food at all. We have fruits and vegetables every day. We have
apples and bananas. We have bok choy and tofu. In my country it's easy
to buy everything to cook and eat. Here I always go to Clement Street to
go shopping there. You can buy everything you want.--Rhoda
I like to cook dinner. I want to cook many kinds of food, but I can't cook many kinds of
food. I like to cook Italian food and Ethiopian food. I never ate many kinds of
vegetables and fruits because they are very expensive. My favorite restaurant is Abbis
Ababa. My favorite food is doro wat and kitfo. I don't know what to say about food I
dislike. My native country's special food is many kinds of food. My country's food is
very spicy.--Lishan

Food
I like to cook but not so much, but I need to cook. I cook Mexican food. The
Mexican people have a lot of different kinds of food, but most of them are spicy.
I like fresh fruits and vegetables because it's good for your health. My favorite
restaurant is my kitchen and the best chef is my mother. I love her food. I like a
lot of kinds of food, Mexican food, Italian, etc. For now I don't know what kind of
food I don't like.--Copitzy

Leisure Time
Talk about Spare Time or Vacations
I like to design some clothes in my spare time, and I like to collect stamps, coins, and
paper money too because these are my hobbies. I have collected them for a long long
time and from then up to now, when my family gets a different stamp or coin, they give
them to me to collect.--Carol
In my spare time, I like to read and do needlepoint, but sometimes I get very
tired so I try to get a nap. My favorite thing to do when I have spare time is
usually reading and needlepoint. Especially in summer time, I would like to go
for a walk or a little exercise out of my house. I like to see everybody on the
street.--Sati
I would like to go to Hawaii in the future because I love the beach and like
to swim a lot. I think it is a beautiful place to go on a honeymoon. One
other place I would like to go is to Rome. I could see all of the Catholic
places.--Jessica
I don't have any hobbies in the United States, but I like to watch movies in my spare
time. I watch them to help me with my listening. In my country, I liked to go to libraries
or bookstores to find some new books because I didn't like to go out. I was lazy, so I
liked to stay home and read a book. I really wanted to go on vacation, but my husband
said my son is too young. We would have to take too much. Maybe we will wait two
years.--Lin
In my spare time I like to take vacations. I like vacations in Hong Kong. My

family and I eat snacks and go shopping. The food is very good for me. The
clothes are not expensive. In San Francisco the houses are expensive, but I like
San Francisco water.--Mei Hing
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Leisure Time
My hobby is playing baseball. In Tokyo, Japan, I always played baseball

with my friends. Then I moved here. I also play baseball here. I think
baseball is very interesting. I like to do that in my spare time, but I like to
travel in my spare time too. I like to visit any place. I visited New York and
Canada. Then I'll visit Mexico next summer.--James
I went on a vacation in my country one time. I went to the beach and I went on my
vacation by bus. It was a long day and a wonderful day. We stopped in a nice place
and we had a good lunch with my friends. I rode a horse for a little bit and a camel too.
After that we went to the place. There were a lot of games to play . After that we went
to the Dead Sea. There were a lot of people there. It was a sunny day, and a lot of
people came from many different countries. We visited a lot of places on that day.--
Kholoud
Every summer, my husband takes a one-week vacation. We go to Garden

Grove by minivan. My children are very happy because they enjoy it a lot. We
go to Disneyland and Legoland. Sometimes we go to a Vietnamese restaurant
and shopping mall to buy some things for them. In the future, I would like to go
to Hawaii because there are a lot of beautiful places there. In my country, I liked
to go around the neighborhood and talk to my friends when I had spare time. In
San Francisco, I only watch TV and listen to music when I have spare time. I
really liked spare time in my country.--Thanh Em
I don't have any hobbies, but I like to take some pictures my son drew or
something he wrote and keep it. Five years ago, my husband and I went
to Lake Tahoe. I like that lake, woods, and view. Now I don't have money
for a trip but sometimes I go to see a trip on the Internet. I want to see
Japanese flowers and eat fresh seafood sushi.--Judy
In my country I had wonderful vacations. I went to another city and visited my brother
and my sister-in-law. In the U.S. my spare time is wonderful too. Sometimes my
friends and I go shopping. Sometimes I just stay at home. I clean my home, wash my
clothes, and cook some good food. I enjoy it very much. In the future, I hope I have
enough money and then I will go to my country and visit my family. I miss my family so
much. This is my dream. I hope to make it come true as soon as possible.--Yanci

Leisure Time
In my native country I didn't have spare time because I worked hard, but on the
weekend I liked to meet my friends. Usually we spent the time in a karaoke club.
In San Francisco I have spare time because I don't have a job. In my free time I
like to prepare food. If I have more time, I like to knit. I like to travel very much!
In my native country I took a trip to another country every vacation. I was in
many European coutnries. It's so ineresting for me! Every country has a very
different history and tradition. Now I'm in the USA. I'm very glad, because this
country is very interesting too.--Anna
In my country my family and I went to the Baltic Sea on vacation. We

rented a small house and relaxed and went to the beach. Sometimes on
vacation we traveled around my country. We visited beautiful small places
and towns. In the U.S. I don't travel a lot. Last year I went to L.A. and Las
Vegas. In the future I want to visit other states in the U.S.--Natalia
I had spare time. In my spare time I took vacations. In my spare time I read books,
listened to music and slept. In my spare time I took vacations in my native country, but
in San Francisco I can't take vacations because in San Francisco it's too expensive. I
would like to go on vacation in the future to Mexico and Hawaii. I like my spare time.--
Lisha
I went to Reno on vacation. I liked to go in my spare time because I wanted to

see snow and I ice skated. In my native country I went to the beach with my
parents. I want to go to New York, Japan, Paris, and other cities in my free time
in the future.--Ma
Last week was spring vacation. I had a lot of spare time so I did many
things. I went to Napa Valley with my friends. It was a good place to relax.
We visited a factory. We saw many barrels and some machines that
make wine. After that we went to look at some views. It was beautiful. I
enjoyed it very much. I hope I can go to a snowy place on vacation in the
future.--Meng Na
In my spare time I like to rest and do exercises. In my native country I went to another
city for my vacation. In San Francisco I will visit other cities too. I have a lot of cities I
haven't visited and some great famous cities. If I have a long vacation I will visit
Russia, because in Russia there are a lot of special buildings.--Zhi Min

Interview 3
Write a Paragraph about Your Partner.
My partner's name is Ma. She has a job in San Francisco. She is a waitress. She didn't
have a job in her native country. She sometimes speaks English at school. She has
some plans for the weekend. She usually goes to the park.--Xiue
My partner's name is Thanh Em. Thanh Em works at home. She takes care of
the children, takes them to school, and then goes home and cleans up the
house. Sometimes she goes shopping to buy food and then goes home to make
dinner. Monday to Friday she usually takes the children at 8 AM and picks them
up at 3 PM. She works hard every day, so she doesn't have a lot of time to go to
school.--Ling
My partner's name is Sati. She is working at a restaurant. She is a hard-

working person. She usually studies English by herself at home because
she never learned any English in her native country. Now she must
always speak English at school. She used to practice conversations with
herself, but people usually didn't understand her, so she took a class. She
must study harder. Now her English is improving. Finally, she wants to
visit her friends this weekend and go on a picnic.--Mona
My partner's name is Mona. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco or in her native
country. She would like to have a job as a flight attendant. When she was young, she
wanted to be a teacher, but now she changed her mind. She speaks English at home
and on the bus. Some people don't understand her. One day, she went to the store to
buy shampoo, but she didn't know how to pronounce the word. She is going to go to a
show on the weekend.--Sati
My partner's name is Mei Hing. Mei Hing is from Hong Kong. She lived right
next to the airport. She knew Chinese and her own native language. Mei Hing's
English is improving little by little. She is going to learn English very well.--Slava

Interview 3
My partner's name is Natalia. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco.

She is attending school to learn English. She wants to speak English well
to get a good job to improve her family life. When she was in her native
country, she was a salesperson. She sold some food in a grocery store.--
Carol
My partner's name is Olga. She is very nice and beautiful. She talked to me. When she
was young, she wanted to be a teacher. It's an interesting story. She came here to live
with her family. She speaks English very well. I like her so much.--Elaine
My partner's name is Elaine. She is from a country near China. Her native
language is Chinese. She lives in San Francisco with her husband. Her two
daughters stayed in her country. They are twins. They are nineteen years old.
They are studying at the university. Elaine didn't study English before she
moved to the United States. She comes to John Adams Campus every day and
hopes to improve her English, but at the moment she has trouble understanding
other people. Elaine has some plans for the weekend. She is going to go
shopping with her husband.--Olga
My partner's name is Lishan. She is a pretty woman. She doesn't have a

job now. When she was young, she wanted to be a doctor and lawyer. On
the weekend, she stays home and plays computer and watches TV, but
sometimes she visits her cousin.--Judy
My partner's name is Ling. She has a job in San Francisco. She is a homecare worker.
That's an easy job. She had a job in her native country too. When she was young, she
had a dream to become a doctor when she grew up. She speaks English in San
Francisco. She speaks Chinese at home. Sometimes she speaks English on the bus
and in a store. She knew English a little when she came to San Francisco. On the
weekend, she sometimes stays home and cooks for her family. Sometimes, she goes
to the supermarket or in a store to buy some things on the weekend.--Thanh Em
My partner's name is Judy. She doesn't have any job in San Francisco, but she
had one in her country. Her job was in a beauty shop. She would like to work in
a clothes store. She speaks English in school and on the bus. When she speaks
English, some people understand and sometimes they don't understand her.
She can't remember something that was hard for people to understand. She
came to San Francisco before she learned any English. Her English is
improving. She has plans for the weekend. She is going somewhere. She is
going to go to Golden Gate Park with her son.--Lishan

Interview 3
My partner's name is Xiue. She has a job in San Francisco. Her job is a
housekeeper. She had a job in her native country. She was a driver. She
doesn't speak English at home. She speaks it on the bus, at work, and in
a store.
My partner's name is Carol. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco. She is a student.
She studies English at City College. In the future she wants to be a clothing designer.
When she was young, she dreamed of being a clothing designer.--Natalia
My partner's name is Alex. He doesn't work. He stays at home and helps his
mom. Alex was taking English classes in China. He doesn't have a problem
understanding other people. He also thinks his English is improving. Alex wants
to be a doctor.--Jessica
My partner's name is Slava. He doesn't have a job in San Francisco

because he came to San Francisco two months ago. He is a student.
Slava speaks English at school and sometimes at home. On the weekend
he will go to see a movie.--Mei Hing

Interview 1
Interview 1
My partner's name is King. She is from Hong Kong. She has lived in San Francisco for
40 years. She lives on Congo St. There is a Safeway in her neighborhood. Her favorite
restaurant is a Japanese restaurant. The restaurant has teriyaki chicken. She doesn't
have a job. She doesn't have a car. She likes to play mah jong in her spare time. She
likes to exercise. She watches TV in Chinese.--Shoko
My partner's name is Jackie. She is from China. She came to San Francisco in
1996 with her parents. She lives on 46th Avenue at the corner of Vicente with
her husband, children, and parents. The San Francisco Zoo is near Jackie's
house. The Sunset supermarket and Paradise Pizza are on 39th Avenue and
Vicente. Jackie likes Thai, American, and Italian food very much. Her family has
a Toyota. They bought the car 2 years ago. She has little spare time, but she
likes to walk in the zoo. Jackie likes to watch TV programs in English.--Mila
My partner's name is Mila. She lives in Park Merced. Park Merced Plaza
is in her neighborhood. She doesn't have restaurants in her
neighborhood. Mila likes European or Russian restaurants. She likes to
eat meat and she has Chinese, Japanese and Jewish food. She came to
San Francisco in 2003. She is from Ukraine. Mila doesn't have a job. She
has a car. Her car is a 1997 Toyota Avalon. In her spare time she likes to
cook, walk, and exercise. She doesn't like to watch TV.--Jackie
My partner's name is Lai Ho. She's from Hong Kong. She came to the U.S. in 1974.
She lives in the Sunset with her family. She's a very kind person. She's a housewife.
She likes to clean the house, go shopping, and cook. There aren't any stores or
restaurants in her neighborhood. She likes Chinese food, vegetables, chicken, and
fish. She takes the bus to school every day.--Michelle
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Interview 1
My partner's name is Michelle. She is a waitress. She came from China in 2002,
almost three years ago. She lives in the Sunset. She likes Chinese and
Japanese food. She has a car. She likes shopping in her spare time. She never
exercises. Sometimes she watches TV in her native language.--Lai Ho
My partner's name is Salvador. He lives on Oak Street, in the Haight

Ashbury neighborhood. He lives in an apartment with two rooms. His
neighborhood doesn't have too many stores and restaurants. He knows a
small Ethiopian restaurant and a store at the gas station "Carwash."
Salvador likes Salvadorian restaurants in the Mission District. His favorite
food is pupusas. He came to San Francisco four years ago from El
Salvador. He has a 1991 Mazda van.--Victor
My partner's name is Victor. He's from Moldova. He came to live in San Francisco 8
months ago. He lives in the Parkside District with his family. In his neighborhood, there
are 2 big stores. He doesn't have a favorite restaurant.--Salvador
My partner's name is Marilou. She is a shoe salesclerk in a shoestore on

Masonic Street. She works six hours or so a day. She gets paid $9.15 per hour.
She lives on 5th Avenue at Balboa Street. Her house is large for her and her
husband. I'm jealous of her. She is from the Phillipines, a beautiful island
country in the Pacific. She left for San Francisco in 2003.--David
My partner's name is David. He lives at 42nd Avenue and Noriega. He

has no neighborhood store, and no restaurant in his neighborhood, but
his favorite food is Chinese and Vietnamese. He knows how to cook food
like meat with egg whites. He came here on May 28, 2005. He was born
in China, in the Province of xxx. He likes to exercise and swim.--Marilou
My partner's name is Wency. She lives in San Francisco with her family. Her
neighborhood doesn't have any stores. In her neighborhood there are Chinese
restaurants. She likes to go to Thai restaurants because she likes to eat spicy food.
She came to San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2005. She likes to watch TV and go shopping.
She sometimes goes swimming. She likes to watch TV in English and in her native
language.--Anna
My partner's name is BiJin. She lives at 148 14th Avenue in the Sunset and she
has two children. There are no stores or restaurants in her neighborhood. She
doesn't like to eat out. She likes fish. She came here in 1996. She doesn't have
a job because she is retired. She doesn't have a car. In her spare time she likes
to watch TV. She likes to exercise. She watches TV in English and Chinese.--
Shu Zhen

Interview 1
My partner's name is Shu Zhen. She lives at 750 Lawton St. Her
neighborhood doesn't have any stores, but she likes the MayFlower
Restaurant. It has a lot of food, such as seafood and vegetables. She
came to San Francisco in 1987, from China. She doesn't have a job. She
just stays home and takes care of her 6 year old. She likes to watch TV in
her spare time.--Biyin
My partner's name is Anna. She lives in the Sunset on 43rd Avenue in San Francisco.
Her favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. She came to San Francisco on
December 28, 2000. She is from China. She has a Honda. If she has spare time, she
goes shopping. She doesn't like to exercise.--Wency
My partner's name is Zai Yi. She's from China. She lives in the Richmond. There
is a Safeway supermarket in her neighborhood. She came here 1 year ago. She
doesn't have a job now. She doesn't like to exercise. She likes to watch TV. Her
favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant.--Xiuying
My partner's name is Xiuying. She's from Shanghai, China. She has lived
in San Francisco about three years. Her favorite restaurant is "Wu Yue
Hua" because she likes Chinese food. She has a car. In her spare time,
she always watches TV in Chinese. She doesn't like to exercise. She
doesn't have a job now.--Zai Yi
My partner's name is Wei. She lives on Hayes St. Her neighborhood store is Safeway.
She likes to eat Chinese food. She is from China. She likes to watch TV in her spare
time. She came here in 2001.--Simon
My partner's name is Simon. He lives in the Sunset. His neighborhood doesn't

have stores and restaurants. He likes Chinese food. He's been in S.F. about 5
years. He has a jog, and he likes it. He has a car. He likes to exercise and he
likes to watch Chinese. TV.

Jobs
Write About Jobs
I came to S.F. in 2004. I looked for a job. Then I found a job in San Francisco as a
salesperson. My boss is very bad. She pays us very low wages, only $6 per hour. She
sits down there looking at us all day. We don't talk to anyone. If we talk a little, she
opens her eyes and looks at us very angrily. She is a very bad boss. In China, my
boss was very nice. She always smiled and said hello. She was very friendly. We all
liked her.--Rachel
I don't have a job here. I'm a housewife. A good job here is a doctor. It has a lot
of money. My daughter is studying Biology at the university.--Xiuying
My name's Anna. I'm from Hong Kong. I was a seamstress in my country.

In San Francisco I didn't get any job because my children are very young.
I'm a housewife now.--Anna
I work at a shoe retailer. I like my job. I have learned how to use a computer and serve
different customers. Sometimes we have fun if we aren't busy. It is different in my
country. Here I work 35 hours or 33 hours in one week and I get paid per hour. I have
good benefits too. In my country, I worked for 28 days in one month and the salary
was not good.--Marilou
I'm Simon. I have a job in South San Francisco. The company name is
Columbus Salame Company. I am very happy working in this company. I was a
cook in China. Here I don't like to work in a restaurant because sometimes the
restaurant work is too hard.--Simon
My name is Sandy. I don't have a job in San Francisco, but now I want to
look for a job. I think I'd like to work in childcare with children, so I'm
studying early childhood education.--Sandy

Jobs
My name is Lai Ho Lee. I was a seamstress in my country and in San Francisco. I

enjoyed my job very much because I can sew many kinds of clothes, and I can teach
some people how to sew something. But now I don't have a job because my company
closed. Why? Because in San Francisco the salary is high. The pay went up every
hour to almost $2, so now many people don't have a job. That's very terrible!--Lai Ho
I am a waitress. I work in a Japanese restaurant. My friend recommended this

job to me. I've worked there for two years. In our restaurant, the food is very
fresh and delicious, so we are busy every day. I am tired, but I'm happy because
the customers give us a lot of tips.--Michelle
My name is Julia. I'm from Russia. I've lived in S.F. about 3 months. I
think that if you want to find a job but you have bad English, I may give
you some advice about what to do: Speak with people. Don't be afraid to
tell them to speak slowly.--Julia
I used to be a high school Chinese teacher in China. I'm good at teaching the ancient
Chinese language. My students liked my class very much. I'm a newcomer. My English
is too poor to get a good American job. I'm eager to be a news journalist. I'm keen on
studying international relations, especially Sino-American relations. I hope I will study it
in a university some day. I hope my dream comes true.--David
My job now is as a caregiver. I work five hours a day, five days and three nights
a week. I look after an old person. I prepare food, wash, have conversation, give
medicine, and walk. If my patient is a good person, my job is easy, even if it's
hard work, but sometimes it's heavy work. In my native country I worked as a
chief accountant in a big company and was in charge of many people. I can't
compare this job and that, because they are different things.--Irina
I was a seamstress in China. I was a seamstress here too. I worked in

Levi's. I was a sample maker. I liked that job very much. I live here
because the sample room was close. Now I don't have a job. I don't want
to find a job now because I must take care of my children. Later I will find
another job.--Shu Zhen
I have a job in San Francisco. Before I had two jobs. One was as a cashier and one
was as a sales dealer (Activate Cellphone.) I had two jobs in my country, Malaysia. My
jobs in Malaysia were as an accounting assistant in the Quiksilver office, and as a
hotel receptionist.--Wency

Jobs
I am from Japan. I worked for a bank in Japan. It was very hard and very
feudalistic. If a woman got married, the woman had to stop working. They might
have changed the rule now. I don't know. Now, I'm retired, so I'm a
homemaker.--Shoko
My job was as a plastic engineer. I worked in a chemical factory. My job

was very interesting. I don't have a job in San Francisco because I study
English and this is my job now. I look for a job in the newpapers and at an
agency and ask my friends, but every job needs good English. I think
every job is good but the better ones are jobs with children or having a
restaurant. Maybe in the future I will have my own restaurant or child-care
services.--Mila
I'm a cashier. I work at a hotel. Before, in China, I took care of children. I taught them a
little English. I like to play with children. I also worked at a beauty salon. I'd like to work
at an office and to help people. I'm happy now. I want to work at a job with English. It's
very good.--Crystal
My name is Si Hong Wang. I lost my job in San Francisco last week. Before, I
was a cashier in a store. The store sells restaurant equipment. I spoke Chinese
a lot in my job. I was an accountant in my country. I liked my job in my country
very much.--Si Hong
My name is Elen. I'm 21 years old. Now I'm working in the Russian
Delicatessen, Gastranom. In San Francisco men and women can do the
same job, but in my country it's so different. In my country I worked in a
beauty salon. I cut hair. I don't know which job is bad, but I think the jobs
are for all people. In the U.S. people can get a good job if they know
English well.--Elen
I was a preschool teacher in my country. I'm studying to be a preschool teacher in S.F.

now because I like to work with children. I plan to study about skin care at school,
because I like beautiful faces and I like to make somebody beautiful.--Wei

Interview 2
My partner's name is Rachel. She lives on Clement in San Francisco. She likes her
house very much because her house is very big and has a garage, washing machine,
dryer, backyard, basement, attic, closets, and cable TV. She likes her neighborhood
because her uncle lives in her neighborhood. By her house the traffic is good and it is
very quiet. Her neighborhood is convenient, and near her house there are a lot of
residential and commercial buildings. Her house is safe. She came to San Francisco
one year and two months ago. She likes San Francisco so much because she likes the
weather. Her favorite place is Clement because the traffic is good.--Dasheng
My partner's name is Dasheng. He lives on Moraga. He lives in an apartment.

He likes his apartment very much because it is very beautiful and has a garage,
washing machine, dryer, backyard, basement, attic, closet, and cable TV, but it
doesn't have a dishwasher. He likes his neighborhood because the neighbors
are friendly. On his street, the traffic is quiet and the neighborhood is
convenient, residential, and safe. He came to San Francisco two months ago.
He likes San Francisco because it's not hot. His favorite place is the Sunset
because it is near the beach and you can look at the big beach.--Rachel
My partner's name is Polina. She's from Belarus and she lives in the
Richmond District. She likes her apartment because it's comfortable and
safe. Her apartment has a bedroom, a small kitchen and a bathroom. She
likes her neighborhood because it's quiet, residential and the neighbors
are friendly. She moved to San Francisco one and a half years ago. Her
favorite place is Sausalito. She tells me, "This place is very beautiful."--
Miriam
My partner's name is Miriam. She came to S.F. three weeks ago from Mexico. She
lives in a house with her father. Her sister and mother are in Mexico. There are 3
bedrooms, a garage for 2 cars, a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, nice backyard,
2 closets, and cable TV. Her house is in a good place, near a gas station and fire
house. It's very safe. She likes SF because this is a very beautiful and friendly city. Her
favorite place is downtown.--Polina

Interview 2
My partner's name is Winnie. She is married. She doesn't have a child. She and
I live in the Sunset District. She likes Japantown and I do too. She's fond of the
good air in San Francisco. She came to S.F. about five years ago. Canton,
China is her hometown.--Aiko
My partner's name is Aiko. She is from Osaka, Japan. She came to San
Francisco 2 years ago. She lives in the Sunset. She has her own house.
She likes San Francisco, but she doesn't like the wind and fog. She
doesn't know her neighbors because her English isn't very good.--Winnie
My partner's name is Xiuying. She lives in the Sunset. She has a big house. It has a
big backyard, garage, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, basement, cable TV and
closets. She likes it because it is a very comfortable and convenient house. Her
neighborhood is very quiet.--Michelle
My partner's name is Michelle. She lives in S.F. in the Sunset. She likes her
house. It has a good backyard. She likes her neighborhood. It's very safe and
convenient. She came to San Francisco 3 years ago. She likes San Francisco
because it's not hot or cold.--Xiuying
My name is Mila. I came to San Francisco in May, 2 years ago. I like San
Francisco very much because it is a very beautiful city. In the city there
are very good places where I can see very beautiful views. I live in Park
Merced. This is near SFSU and 19th Avenue. I live in an apartment. In
the rear of my apartment building is a backyard.--Mila
My partner's name is Janet. She lives on 27th Avenue in the Sunset in San Francisco.
She doesn't like her apartment because her apartment has no washing machine,
dishwasher, dryer, etc. She likes her neighborhood because it is quiet and safe. She
came to San Francisco 8 years ago. She doesn't like San Francisco because she
doesn't like the weather. Her favorite places in San Francisco are Golden Gate Park
and the Golden Gate Bridge, because they are beautiful.--Wency
My partner's name is Wency. She lives near Ocean Avenue. She likes her
house very much because it is very comfortable and she feels free there. She
likes her neighborhood because it's convenient. She came to S.F. about a half
year ago. She doesn't like S.F. because she doesn't have any friends. Her
favorite place is her house.--Janet

Interview 2
My partner's name is Sandy. She lives in the Sunset. She likes her house
and neighborhood because they are very quiet and there is not much
traffic. It's safe and more convenient and all residential there. She came
here almost 10 years ago with her family.--Lai Ho
My partner's name is Lai Ho. She lives in San Francisco in the Sunset, and she likes
her house because her house is big and nice. She likes her neighborhood because
there isn't a lot of traffic, and it's quiet and convenient for shopping and taking a bus.
She came to San Francisco a long time ago. She told me her favorite place is the
Sunset.--Sandy
My partner's name is Michael. He is from the Philippines. He lives in a house.

The house is on Silver Ave. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. His house has
a backyard. There are a lot of flowers. He lives with his parents and a brother
and a sister. He likes San Francisco and his neighborhood. His favorite place is
the Golden Gate Bridge because it is very beautiful.--Shoko
My partner's name is Shoko. She is from Japan. She lives on Masonic

Avenue. She likes her house. She has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. She
likes flowers in the backyard. She likes her neighborhood. She came here
to San Francisco four years ago. She likes it here in S.F. She said it has
very nice weather and her favorite place is the Golden Gate Bridge.--
Michael
My partner's name is Simon. He lives in the Sunset. He likes his house because it has
a garage, dryer, backyard and cable TV. He likes his neighborhood because it is so
quiet and residential. He came to San Francisco in 2001. He likes San Francisco
because the weather is good. He likes to go to Ocean Beach because he likes to go
swimming!--Jian Ming
My partner's name is Julia. She is a nice girl. She lives on Powell Street. She
likes her apartment because it is comfortable. She came to San Francisco 5
months ago. She likes SF but she doesn't like the weather in SF.--Elen
My mother's name is Irina and my father's name is Victor. My parents are

very friendly. They like to travel. My mother is a housewife and likes to
cook. She makes delicious food. She is very clever, kind, and nice. I tell
her about my problems and she gives me some good advice about what
to do. My father is very busy because he has a lot of work. I see him just
at night. I like to spend my free time with my parents. We like to go to a
river and have a picnic. We have a good time if we are together.--Julia

Interview 2
My partner's name is Jian Ming. He lives on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco. He

doesn't like his house because it has no garage, washing maching, or backyard. He
likes his neighborhood because it's quiet and residential. He came to San Francisco in
2003. He likes San Francisco because the weather is very good. He likes downtown
San Francisco because he likes shopping there.--Simon
My partner's name is David. He lives in the Sunset. He doesn't like his house
because his neighbor always cooks something smelly. His house has everything
except a dishwasher. He likes his neighborhood because it's quiet and safe. He
came to San Francisco 3 months ago. He likes San Francisco. He likes the
ocean and the bay. He likes the Cliff House, YMCA, and Fisherman's Wharf.--
King
My partner's name is Tatiana. She lives at 25th Avenue and Parkside.

She likes her house. She has cable TV, a backyard and a washing
machine in her house. She likes her neighborhood because it's very quiet
and safe. Tatiana came to San Francisco seven months ago. She has a
part-time job with an old Russian woman. Her favorite place is Golden
Gate Park.--Jackie
My partner's name is Jackie. She came to SF in 1996, and she likes SF. She lives in
the Sunset neighborhood on 46th Avenue. She rents a 2-bedroom house. Jackie likes
her house and neighborhood, because the neighborhood is quiet and safe and the
house is nice and has cable TV. She is a housewife. She is very busy because she is
studying English in CCSF and taking care of 2 children now. She likes to go to
Stonestown.--Tatiana
My partner's name is Elena. She's from Georgia. She came to San Francisco
two weeks ago, with her family--her husband and children, two girls. She lives in
the Richmond District in her parents' house. There is a big garage, a new
washing machine and dryer, a nice backyard, cable TV and large closets, but
there is no dishwasher or attic. Her residential neighborhood is a quiet and safe
zone, near Golden Gate Park. She loves Golden Gate Park because she walks
there on the weekends.--Victor
My partner's name is Victor. He lives in the Sunset, in San Francisco. He

lives in a studio with his wife. They don't have any children. His apartment
is small but I think he likes it. He doesn't have a garage but he has cable
TV. He likes to watch TV. His neighborhood is residential, safe, and quiet.
Victor came to San Francisco 7 months ago. He is from Moldova. He likes
San Francisco. His favorite place is our college, because he likes to study
English and computer.--Elena

Interview 2
My partner's name is Marilou. She lives at 5th Avenue and Balboa. She lives in a
house. She's very happy living there because she can go everywhere she likes and
the neighborhood feels safe too. She came here 2 years ago and she likes the
weather. She likes to go to the Golden Gate Bridge very much. She can take pictures
there.--Dewi
My partner's name is Dewi. She lives at 23rd Avenue and Anza. She likes to live
in her apartment because it's very nice. There is a garage, washing machine
and cable TV too. Everything is okay with her neighborhood. She came here
seven months ago. She likes San Franicsco because there's a school for free
like John Adams.--Marilou
My partner's name is Mary. She is from Colombia. She has been here 15
days. She likes S.F. very much. She doesn't have a job. She goes to
school every day and is looking for a job. She is single. She lives with her
sister in S.F. She likes her neighborhood, but sometimes it's cold.--Shu
Zhen
My partner's name is Shu Zhen. She is from a city near Hong Kong. She is married
and her husband is Chinese too. She came to SF 18 years ago. She had a job before
in Levi's store.--Marisol
My partner's name is Irina. She lives on Fulton. She likes her apartment
because her apartment is close to Golden Gate Park. She has closets and cable
TV. She likes her neighborhood because it is residential, commercial, and safe.
She's been in S.F. about 2 years. She likes S.F. but she doesn't like that there is
no summer here and it's not hot. Her favorite place is Golden Gate Park,
because she can run over there.--Wei
My partner's name is Wei. She is from China. She lives in San Francisco
on Fillmore St. She has a house with a garage, a washing machine, a
dryer, a dishwasher, a backyard, a basement, an attic, closets and cable
TV. She doesn't like her neighborhood because it's very noisy. She came
to San Francisco 3 years ago. She likes San Francisco. She likes the
climate here. Her favorite places are Golden Gate Park and Ocean
Beach. She likes to walk there.--Irina

Interview 2
My partner's name is King. She came to S.F. in 1962. She likes S.F. very much,
especially its weather. Her favorite places are Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's
Wharf. She now lives on Monterey Ave. She told me she likes her house because her
neighborhood is nice and quiet. Her house has a garage, washing machine, dryer,
dishwasher, backyard, basement, attic, closets, etc.--David

Families
I have a small family in the U.S.A. My mother-in-law has three children. They all work
in Boston. My sister-in-law works in Boston too. They live with my mother-in-law. Only
my husband and my children live in San Francisco. In my native country, I have a big
family. My mother has seven daughters and one son. My mom works at home. My dad
works outside.--Jackie
I have a small family with my sisters and brothers. All my family lives in San
Francisco. We talked about women with small children working because women
should stay at home. They should clean the house, cook, and their children can
go to daycare. In my country women work outside the home. They cook
barbeque and some people buy food. For most older parents it is a good idea to
live with their adult children. Parents should spank their children when they have
trouble. There is also a stereotype for mothers-in-law in my native country. They
say bad words.--Michael
In Columbia, there were many people who married too young in the past,
at about 14 or 16. My grandmother got married when she was 14 and she
had 14 children. I think that the reason for this is less education. For
example, my grandfather never finished primary school. At this moment, it
has changed, because the people travel around the world and know
different cultures, think and study, and go ahead to make a better life for
themselves and their families--Marisol
I have a big family. My father, mother, and brother all live in China. Only my husband
and I and his family live in San Francisco, and we are 6 people living together. My
husband and I always go out working until midnight. We are very happy.--Winnie

Families
There are eight people in my family--my sister, my parents, my husband, my kid,

my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, and I. Now, my parents and my sister are
still in China and the other people are here. We live together. My boy is almost 3
years old. He is very cute. Every day I go to school. He always asks me to take
him to school with me. He said he wants to learn English too. Last week my
husband and I took him to the zoo. The first time he saw the tiger and lion and
giraffe, he was very excited. He asked me if we could buy one for him so we
didn't have any idea what to do. Fortunately, we saw a model of these in the
nearby gift shop. After we bought some for him, we went home.--May
It's good to have all the family in the same country, but sometimes you
can't change anything. I think women have to work and not be
housewives, because if a woman is not "realized," her life is not
interesting, but if a woman has small children, she should take care of her
children for about 1-2 years. In my native country, a mother takes care of
children for 3 years and the government pays her for that. I think it's a
good idea to pay mothers for the education of their children.--Tatiana
My stereotype of a family is when a man and woman live together in the same place
(house, apartment, etc.). This relationship is based on love. The man in the family is a
"hunter," the wife is responsible for the children's education and for keeping a fire in
the fireplace. Warmth and comfort in a home depends on both, but usually comes from
the wife. A father-in-law and mother-in-law can help a new family financially and
spiritually because they have more experience in life, but it is not necessary that they
live together.--Victor
In my native country, the family is united, but sometimes the family is fighting.
The family sometimes follows the stereotype of a union, but other times the
father or the mother takes one position because they are separated and it
makes problems for the children.--Abel
In Mexico if the mother and father are divorced, the mother takes the
children and the father doesn't pay for anything (no school, no food, no
clothes). The Mexican single mother is very strong and she works all day
to give the best to her children. Right now the Mexican woman is very
independent about her husband, because she goes to school, she takes
a job, and she cares for her children. When the Mexican family is
"normal," it's very united and lovely. The father and mother care for their
children until they are 20-25 years old.--Miriam

Families
I think my family isn't very big. I have only one sister. We live together with our
families. I'm married and I have two daughters. My sister has a daughter and a son.
I'm from Georgia (Russia) and my mother and father are there. In my country, women
work outside the home. I think it's difficult for women with small children. When my
daughters were small, I stayed at home. I love my family. I want my older parents to
live with me.--Elena
My name is Wency. I come from Malaysia. I have a small family. I have a father,
a mother, one younger brother, and one younger sister. I live with my family
right now. Before I came to San Francisco, I lived with my grandmother and
grandfather. My opinion is women with small children should have a job
because a woman just staying home and taking care of a baby is not good. In
my native country, 70% of the women work outside the home. My opinion is
parents should not spank their children because when the children do wrong
things, the children's parents should explain to their kids and not spank their
kids. If parents just spank their kids and don't explain or don't listen to their kids'
reason, their kids will not understand why their parents want to spank them. And
they will hate their parents.--Wency
I have a big family. My family isn't all in San Francisco. Some people are
in China. In China some women work outside the home, but some women
stay at home because they have to take care of the chlidren, clean the
house and cook the meals. When the women have small children I think
it's best that the women stay at home and take care of the children. I don't
think parents should spank their children because they're very small so
they don't understand. I think parents shouldn't spank their children and I
think small children shouldn't have a job because they're so small. When
they are adults, they can do that.--Da Sheng
In my country, most people live in one house. A long time ago, women just stayed
home and took care of babies and only did housework. The men went out and made
money to support the family, but now it is different. I have a small family. My father is in
New York. He has his own laundry. I have two brothers. I am the youngest one.--King
I think my family is big. I have two sisters and one brother. They are married. My
parents have four adult children and seven grandchildren. My family lives in S.F.
I have a good family. I'm so happy. In my native country, a lot of women have
jobs. Their old parents take care of their small children at home. Sometimes,
some parents spank children. I think it's okay that way, but I don't like it for my
children. I like living together with my parents.--Janet

Families
If the money and house permits, I think a small family can live in one
house. The older parents can live nearby. Maybe on weekends or
vacation, they can be together. Older parents and their adult children
should have their own freedom. I think women working outside the home
is a good idea. When women have small children, I think they shouldn't
stay at home. I think parents can not spank their children. It is not a good
education. I like having more relatives in San Francisco because they can
help each other and talk to each other.--Zai Yi
I have a small family. My parents have three children. My younger sister and my
mother live in Japan. My younger brother and his wife and daughter live in China with
my father. We haven't seen each other for a long time. I hope we can get together next
Chinese New Year. My husband and I will go back to China and stay with them. It will
be a wonderful New Year.--Michelle
My family in my country has 3 sisters and 1 brother. It's not a big family, but
everyone has a job. They work in the government. One of my sisters has a
family. She has 2 girls and 1 boy. My sister works in a hospital. She is always
busy so she has one person who takes care of the kids and then she pays for it
at the end of the month. Some of my sisters and my brother are single. They're
not getting married. I can't say anything about my mother-in-law.--Marilou
I have a daughter. My husband and I live with my daughter's family. She

has a son. He is eight years old. She has a job, so I have to take care of
my grandson. I have to make lunch for him every morning. I always get
up at 5:30. Her business is busy with work. She is going on a business
trip this Sunday, to Chicago for five days.--Aiko
I have a big family. I have three sisters and one brother. They all got married and have
children. Two sisters live in Daly City, one sister lives in China, and my brother lives
with my family. I have three children, two girls and one boy. They're all at school. Now I
don't have a job. I take them to school and me to school every day. After school, I'm
very busy because I cook dinner for them every day so I only have a bit of free time.--
Shu Zhen
I have a big family because I have three brothers and two sisters. They all are
married and live in San Francisco. We have a party every month because we
want everybody to visit each other. That's a very happy and fun time.--Lai Ho

Families
I have a small family. I have a brother and a sister in Japan. I live in San
Francisco with my daughter and her husband. He is Peruvian. He is a
nice person, and a musician. He is very busy so I sometimes help him.
They don't have any children, but they have very cute pets. We have a
nice day every day.--Shoko

Interview 3
My partner's name is Elena. She's from Georgia, Russia. In her native country, they
speak Georgian and Russian. She has a beautiful family. She has been married for 15
years and she has two daughters. They are 13 and 9 years old. She has lived with her
sister in San Francisco for a month. She doesn't have a job and she doesn't want to
have one. She studied English a little in her country. She speaks English at her home,
in stores, and in her daughter's school. She has plans for the weekend. She'll bring her
daughters to their friends'.--Miriam
My partner's name is Shu Zhen. She doesn't have a job at this moment, but
she's looking for one. She's from China. In her native country, she was a
seamstress. In her house she speaks in her native language with her husband
and their children. She has 3 children, two daughters and a son. She never took
English classes in China and her pronunciation is not very good. This is the
reason some people usually don't understand. She thinks her English is
improving, and I think the same.--Marisol
My partner's name is Michelle. She is a waitress. She didn't have a job in

her country. She liked to stay home. When she was young, she hoped to
be a nurse. She speaks English at work. When she speaks English,
people just understand a little. That's why she has trouble. She wants to
say something but it's hard to explain to the people. When she came to
San Francisco she didn't know English, but now it is different. On the
weekend she usually goes out to eat dinner.--King
My partner's name is King. She is a housewife. She didn't work in her native country.
She likes to cook very much and when she was young she wanted to be a good cook.
She didn't know English before she came to S.F. Now she speaks English at school
and sometimes at home with her daughter, so she thinks her English is improving. She
usually plays mahjong with her friend on the weekend. I think that's interesting.--
Michelle

Interview 3
My partner's name is Miriam. She is from Mexico. She doesn't have a job in San
Francisco. She is a volunteer in Berkeley. When she was young, she wanted to
be a consul. Miriam usually speaks Spanish at home. She speaks English in the
University, on the bus, on the street, or in a store. People usually understand
her and she understands other people. Miriam thinks her English is improving.
This weekend she has some plans. She's going to go to "Six Flags" with her
friends.--Elena
My partner's name is Mary. She doesn't have a job, but she's looking for
one. She had a job in her native country. She was in customer service.
She liked this job very much, so she wants to find this kind of job here,
but she worries her English is not good enough. She seldom speaks
English at home. She sometimes speaks English on the bus and at the
store, but the people sometimes understand and sometimes don't
understand, and she doesn't either. She thinks her English is improving a
little. She plans to go to Vallejo. She'll visit her uncle and his family.--Shu
Zhen
My partner's name is Marylou. She works as a shoe retailer. She does everything;
cashier, display, etc. She worked in her native country (She is from the Philippines.) in
a supermarket. When she was young, she didn't have a plan for a job. She doesn't
speak English at her home, but she speaks English at her work. For her, people
usually understand but sometimes she has trouble understanding other people, but
she's ok. She knew some English when she came to San Francisco, but she forgot
some things. She doesn't have plans for the weekend, because she is working and
she has to go to work.--Abel
My partner's name is Abel. He works in a pizzeria on Chestnut. He had no job in

his country before. When he was young, he didn't think about what kind of
courses to take, but now he wants to be a good dancer. He spoke English when
he came here to San Francisco, because in his country, they teach English too.
However, in their homes all the people speak Spanish. Sometimes he has
trouble speaking to people. You know the pronunciation is different. Right now
his English is improving because he goes to school.--Marilou

Interview 3
My partner's name is Winnie. She and I are from the same area. We
speak the same dialect. She has a good job in San Francisco. She works
at an airport restaurant. Then every day she can speak more English. Her
English is improving. She always understands other people. Maybe
people usually understand her. When she was young she didn't have an
idea of what kind of job she wanted to have when she grew up. On the
weekend she always goes to work. She was happy to talk with me too. I
think we will be good friends.--Zai Yi
My partner's name is Zai Yi. She and I are from the same city in China. She doesn't
have a job in San Francisco. Now she is a full-time student at John Adams. When she
was young, she had no idea of her job when she grew up. She never speaks English
at home, just in school, but her reading and writing is very good. However, she has
bad listening and speaking. One time she made a big mistake with her friend. Her
friend told her to go to Los Angeles, but she listened wrong and flew to St. Louis. She
was there about 5 hours and flew back. That's very funny.--Winnie
My partner's name is Lai Ho. She has a job in S.F. She works in Fashion Elite
Inc. She is a seamstress. Before, in her native country, she was a seamstress
too. When she was young she wanted to be a nurse. She speaks English at
school. Some people understand her, but sometimes she has trouble
understanding other people. She doesn't remember when it was hard for people
to understand. She knew some English when she came to S.F. and she thinks
her English is improving. She doesn't have any plans for this weekend. She'll
only stay home.--Jackie
My partner's name is Wency. Wency has a job in S.F. She works as a

clerk at a hotel. She'd like to be a style designer. She speaks English
sometimes at work, at home, in a store, and with some friends. People
usually understand what she says.--Aiko
My partner's name is Aiko. She comes from Japan. She doesn't have a job in San
Franicsco because her English is not very good, but she had a job in her native
country. She was a stock broker. She would like to do Allstate business. When she
was young, she wanted to be a teacher in a university. She speaks English at school
and on the bus. People sometimes understand her when she speaks English. She has
trouble understanding when she talks to the doctor. She knew English when she came
to San Francisco, but right now she thinks her English is not improving. She plans to
go to the shopping center on the weekend, and dance with her husband.--Wency

Interview 3
My partner's name is May. She doesn't have a job in S.F. She was a secretary
in China. When she was young, she wanted to become a teacher. She speaks
English at school and on the bus. People almost always understand her.--Janet
My partner's name is Janet. She doesn't work in San Francisco, but she
wants to have a job as an accountant. She usually speaks English on the
bus and in a store. She has plans for this weekend. She will stay at home
to clean her house.--May
My partner's name is Xiuying. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco. She didn't
have a job in her native country. She is looking for a job as a cashier. When she was
young she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. Xiuying speaks English in a store.
Usually people understand her. Sometimes she has trouble understanding other
people. She knew some English when she came to San Francisco. She thinks her
English is improving. She has a plan to stay home all weekend, but maybe she will go
shopping.--Mila
My partner's name is Mila. She doesn't have a job here. She had a job in
Ukraine. She's a chemical engineer. She likes this job. When she was young,
she wanted to be a doctor. She speaks English in a store. People usually
understand her. She didn't know any English when she came to San Francisco.
She thinks her English is improving. She'll go somewhere this weekend. She's
going to visit her friend.--Xiuying
My partner's name is Simon. He is a packer. Before, in his country, he

was a cook. He likes the job of driver. When he was young, he wanted to
be a lawyer. He speaks English in school or in a store. People usually
understand him. He remembers something he had trouble with. He could
speak English before he came to San Francisco. He's doing nothing on
the weekend. He will stay home. At home he'll play computer and watch
TV.--Fanny
My partner's name is Fanny. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but she was a
salesclerk in her native country. She would like to be a nurse in San Francisco, but
when she was young she wanted to be a teacher. Sometimes she speaks English on
the bus and in a store. She thinks her English is improving. On the weekend she likes
to go to the park.--Simon

Interview 3
My partner's name is Jackie. She came here almost eight years ago. She
doesn't have a job in San Francisco and didn't have one in her native country
because she has to take care of her children. When she was young, she wanted
to be a nurse, but she isn't one. She knew English in her native country, but not
very much, so usually some people don't understand her. Sometimes it is
trouble. Right now she is coming to school and wants her English to improve.--
Lai Ho
My partner's name is Michael. He doesn't have a job. He is a student. He

speaks English in school and somewhere else. On the weekend he will
go to the park.--Evelyn
My partner's name is Evelyn. She doesn't have a job here in San Francisco because
she is retired. She didn't have a job in her native country. She would like to have a job
as a teacher. When she was young, she wanted to become a doctor when she grew
up. She speaks English in school. Sometimes she understands when people speak to
her, but they have trouble understanding. Sometimes she can remember something
that was hard for people to understand. She didn't know any English when she came
to San Francisco. She has plans for the weekend. She wants to go shopping to buy
something.--Michael
My partner's name is Wei. Wei doesn't have a job in San Francisco. She worked
for a bank in her native country, and I did too. She worked there for 15 years.
She met her husband there. She lives with her husband and a son. She speaks
English only at school, but her English is improving. She is going to go shopping
and have dinner at a restaurant this weekend.--Shoko
My partner's name is Shoko. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco. In

her native country she worked in a bank. Sometimes, Shoko speaks
English at home. Sometimes when she speaks English, people
understand her. She thinks her English is improving. On the weekend,
she will go to Lake Tahoe and visit her friend.--Wei

Exercise and Sports
I like to watch some sports on TV, like baseball, tennis, swimming, football, soccer,
volleyball, etc. I don't like golf. It's very slow. I've liked to play basketball for 10 years. I
practiced basketball from Monday to Friday starting in 1995. Right now I can't practice
because I had many broken bones in my body. Soccer is the most popular sport in
Mexico. It has many fans. Only 70% of the population, heh heh! My favorite Olympic
sport is running.--Miriam
I like exercise and sports. I like yoga exercises, running and working out in the
gym the most. Every morning I do the same yoga exercises or run in the park. In
my native country, winter sports are more popular, for example, the biathlon and
skiing. When I was a child, I went to gymnastics and to the swimming pool. In
my native country, some kinds of sports like Greco-Roman wrestling are only for
men. I like to watch races, like Formula 1, on TV.--Irina
I did exercises in my country before. I went to the gym at 6:00 so I used

different exercises. When I came here, I didn't go to exercise because I
work and it is enough for me. As for sports, I like basketball and
volleyball. Those were my favorite sports when I was in elementary and
high school, most especially when we won the competitions. The
teachers were happy too, and then they were proud of my school.--Marilou
When I was a child, I always liked to play table tennis because my mother wouldn't let
me go out for a long time. I could invite my friends to my home to play table tennis. I
enjoyed it very much at that time. Now, after I got married and had my kid, I don't have
much time to do my sports, but I can take my boy out for a walk after supper. We run
around in the playground. My son runs after me. We can do sports together. I like to
watch the Olympics on TV. I like the sport of diving. In this sport, Chinese players are
excellent. I feel it's exciting.--May

Exercise and Sports
In my native country, when I was in primary school I belonged to a basketball

team. In high school, I was a cheerleader, but when I was in the university I
began to use a stationary bicycle. At this moment I don't do any sport because I
haven't found one yet.--Marisol
I never do exercises and sports now. When I was in Japan, I went to a

sports club twice a week. I didn't know how to swim, but I liked to walk in
the pool because somebody told me I would be able to lose weight.--
Michelle
I like to exercise. I walk for a short time on weekdays. I often run two times a month.
When I was a child, I liked to play ping pong and badminton. They were good exercise
for my health. Ping pong is a popular sport in my country. I like to watch diving or track
and field on TV.--Janet
I like to exercise. I play tennis with my daughter every weekend. Sometimes I

swim, and sometimes I walk on the beach. Tennis is popular in my native
country. I like dancing and swimming.--Sherly
I like to play golf. I played golf for a long time, about 25 years, but I can't
play now because my arm sometimes hurts, so I go to have dinner at
Green Hills Country Club (golf club) once a week. Now I take dancing
lessons twice a week. When I was a child, I played volleyball. I like almost
all sports.--Aiko
My name is Lai Ho. I like to exercise because I want to stay in shape. Every day I get
up at 6:00 AM and then I do aerobics for 30 minutes. After school I jog to the park and
Ocean Beach for almost 2 hours every day. Sometimes if I eat dinner early, I will walk
in the evening for about an hour. Usually I love exercise. Because I have a lot of free
time, I can stay in shape.--Lai Ho
My name is Simon. I like to exercise and I like to swim and play ping pong.
Sometimes I play ping pong in school. When I was a child, I liked to play soccer.
In my native country, the men like to play soccer too, but the women like to play
badminton.--Simon
I like exercise, but I don't have a lot of time to do it here. I like badminton
and volleyball. I do it two times a year, and my young daughter likes it too.
She joined a volleyball team. I usually watch her games on the weekend
and sometimes I play with her in the park. In my native country, most of
the people like volleyball. I don't watch sports on TV.--Shu Zhen

Exercise and Sports
When I was in high school in my native country, my friends and I liked to go jogging in
the morning once a week. The most popular sport in my native country is basketball.
When I was a kid, I usually played basketball in the afternoon. Most men like to watch
basketball and billiards, but sometimes women like to watch too. My favorite sports to
watch on TV are basketball and billiards. I also like to watch any sport of the Olympics
on TV.--Michael
My name is Wency. I came from Malaysia. I like to exercise. I exercised in my

native country every day, but over here I haven't exercised in a long time
because I want to work and go to school every day. In my native country, I liked
jogging with my best friend in the evening, but in San Francisco the evening is
cold so I don't go jogging. I like swimming, jogging and aerobics. In my native
country, soccer, badminton, swimming and aerobics are popular sports. I went
swimming when I was a kid. I like to watch ice skating and aerobics, so I
sometimes like to watch the Olympics on TV. I like ice skating in the Olympics.--
Wency
I like to swim, ice skate, and do gymnastics. I like to jog and dance. I
exercise once a week. In my native country, popular sports are soccer,
aerobics and volleyball. When I was a kid, I usually played ping pong and
ran. In my native country, men like soccer and women like weightlifting. I
like to watch swimming and basketball. I like to watch gymnastics in the
Olympics. I think the best Olympic sport is swimming.--Fanny
When I was a kid, I skiied in school because I grew up in Sapporo, Japan. There is a
lot of snow in the winter. Now I like to watch baseball on TV. I went to see the San
Francisco Giants at SBC Stadium last month. They lost the game, but I had a great
time. I hope they have a championship next year.--Shoko
I like to do hula hoop and badminton for exercise now. When I was a kid, I did
many kinds of exercise, for example, running, volleyball, cycling, and ping pong.
I ran the farthest in my class. I never watch sports on TV. I like to play sports
more than just watching on TV. I want to be able to swim, but I'm afraid of the
water in the pool.--Crystal
I like to exercise. In my country, I went to the swimming pool three times a

week. When I was a kid, I played volleyball, but now I don't have time for
exercise. I'm from Georgia (Russia) and in my country the most popular
sport is soccer. Really every boy can play soccer. I like to watch the
Olympics on TV. My favorite Olympic sport is figure skating.--Elena

Exercise and Sports
In my country, the more popular sports are boxing, kickboxing, soccer and wrestling. I
like to watch soccer and tennis on TV. For Olympic games, I like wrestling more. When
I was a child, I liked to play soccer with my friends. I don't do exercises because I don't
have time but I walk a lot every day.--Elen
I like exercise but I like sports a lot, and my favorite is soccer. Maybe I played
soccer from when I was 9 years old. It's the best sport for me, but now I don't
play because I don't have time, but I watch soccer on TV; Mexican and Spanish
soccer. Mexico is a soccer country. Men and women play soccer, but some
Mexicans play other sports, for example basketball, volleyball, baseball,
American football too, etc. For us Mexicans, the Soccer World Cup and Olympic
Games are so important; for me, soccer and running are the best Olympic
sports because there is adrenaline and emotion. For that, sports are so good. I
believe that...I like soccer...a lot.--Abel
I like to swim and run. I usually go swimming three times a week. In my

country, most people do shadowboxing every morning. When I was a
child, I liked to dance. Sometimes I watch Olympic sports on TV. I like to
see swimming and running.--Candy
I don't like exercise, but I like to watch sports on TV. Ping pong is very popular in my
country (China). I swam when I was a child. I watch all sports on TV. I like Olympic
sports. I like springboard diving, platform diving, long jump, high jump, pole vault, and
all Olympic sports.--Xiuying

San Francisco
Write about San Francisco
I like San Francisco because the people are very nice, the weather is beautiful, and
the ESL is free. In San Francisco there are many famous places. If my friend comes to
visit, I can drive to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. Many
parks are free for kids.--Candy
I like to live in San Francisco. Here there is good weather, but it's foggy. Here
there are beautiful views and good transportation. If my friends come to visit
here, I'll take them to Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and the Golden Gate
Bridge.--Xiuying
I think that San Francisco is a good place. You can see many sights here.
I like to go at night to the top of Twin Peaks because you can see the
lights of the city, the Bay Bridge, the Bay, and boats. Sausalito has a
beautiful view at night. You can see the full moon and the reflection in the
Bay. I like Lombard Street, and its flowers are very beautiful because
there are many colors and different kinds of flowers. I think that San
Francisco has good weather but not at night because it's very cold and I
think nothing can be perfect!--Marisol
San Francisco is a very beautiful city. I like the ocean district very much, Golden Gate
Park, and the Conservatory of Flowers. When my friend comes to visit me, we will
drive to Sausalito because there are very good places in that city.--Mila
I like to live in San Francisco. I love the weather and many different kinds of
food. There is a nice long ocean view. Sometimes when I work too hard, I will go
to the ocean beach to relax and smell the fresh air. San Francisco is a good
tourist place. Many parks, museums and the zoo are free or have free days. The
houses are very expensive, but there is good transportation. I love to live in San
Francisco.--Winnie
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San Francisco
My favorite place in S.F. is Twin Peaks because it has a beautiful view

and the Bay Bridge is amazing but very expensive. I don't like the weather
in S.F. If my friends go to S.F., I will invite them to go to Golden Gate
Park, and maybe we would walk near the beach. Many museums are free
and many parks are too. S.F. has many beautiful expensive restaurants.
If the people take their kids, I recommend they go to Six Flags in Vallejo.--
Miriam
I like Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge in S.F. They are interesting and
beautiful. I don't like the expensive rent for apartments and the weather. Here, the
weather is cold for me. When my friends visit me, I will take them to visit Fisherman's
Wharf. It's good for visitors in S.F. I like to take my children to Golden Gate Park. I like
to give them time to take a lot of beautiful pictures.--Janet
I like San Francisco because of the weather. Sometimes it's windy, foggy, or
hot. Then I can go any places because the buses are not hard to get. In San
Francisco, I don't like the taxes that are too high, not like another state where
the taxes are not too high. My favorite place is the Golden Gate Bridge because
the bridge looks good. Then some people come from different places to take
pictures of the bridge. About the places that are free and the places which are
expensive, I have no idea.--Marilou
I like San Francisco because it's a very beautiful city, but the weather is
not good for me. I like sunny weather. My favorite place in San Franciso
is Ocean Beach. I like to walk there on sunny days. My children like
Golden Gate Park very much, and they like the zoo too, but the zoo isn't
free every day and we can't go there often. I came here two months ago. I
don't know the city well. I want to see many interesting places in San
Francisco.--Elena
In San Francisco I like Union Square, all the stores, and the Marina, but life is too
expensive. The weather is not very good but not very bad. San Francisco is an
interesting city. There are nice places. Many museums are in San Francisco, and
some are free for people. It's very interesting.--Alexandre
In San Francisco there are many beautiful places. I like this city but I don't like
the weather in S.F. When my friends come to visit me, I take them to the
Fillmore, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, and so on. I think the museum is free
and maybe the parks.--Elen

San Francisco
Hello, hello again!! San Francisco is a beautiful city, but it is sometimes

cold, and that is not good for me because I like the sun and hot weather.
In San Francisco there are many good and beautiful places. My favorite
places are Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Downtown, and the Golden
Gate Bridge. I think that Mission St. is not good because there is a lot of
violence sometimes. If my friends come to visit, I would like to take them
to my favorite places, and maybe to the beach or Lombard St. Those
places are free, and it is perfect for me too; beautiful places, free places.--
Abel
I like the cable cars, but I don't like Chinatown. If my friends come here, I will take them
to the Golden Gate Bridge. My favorite place is downtown, because it is very much like
Hong Kong. Fisherman's Wharf is free, but the cable car is very expensive. I feel that
Fisherman's Wharf places are good for kids.--Lewis
I like the weather because I used to have bad weather in Japan. It is very hot
and humid in summer and it's very cold in winter. My favorite place is under the
Golden Gate Bridge. My family and I sometimes go there and we have lunch
while we look at the view and watch some surfers surf the waves there. If my
friends come to S.F. with their children, I want to take them to the S.F. Zoo. It
has many kinds of animals. I like to see them.--Shoko
My name is Wency. I came to San Francisco only 8 months ago. I like the
museums, weather, and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. I like San
Francisco weather because it is not always hot. When the season is
spring, San Francisco is very beautiful, but sometimes San Francisco is
very foggy. I like the museums in San Francisco, like the Cable Car
Museum, San Francisco Airport Museum and Fire Department Museum,
because they are very interesting. In the last three months, my Malaysian
friends came to visit me. I took them to the Golden Gate Bridge, Castro
Street, Chinatown, Disneyland, Japantown, and the Cable Car Museum. I
like San Francisco because San Francisco is beautiful and quiet. I don't
like like San Francisco because San Francisco has a lot of homeless.--
Wency
<TD WIDTH=40px

Interview 1
Interview 1
My partner's name is Albert. He lives on Schwerin Street. There is a McDonald's in his

neighborhood, but no restaurants. His favorite restaurant is an Italian restaurant
because he likes to eat Italian food. He came to San Francisco five months ago. He is
from Venezuela. He doesn't have a job and he doesn't have a car. In his spare time,
he likes to watch TV and play computer and he likes to exercise. He sometimes likes
to watch in English and sometimes he likes to watch in the Chinese language.--Tit Leng
My partner's name is Lai Yee Seto. She lives in the Sunset on Lawton Street.
Her neighborhood has no stores or restaurants. Her favorite restaurant is a
Chinese restaurant because it's good! It has noodles. She came to San
Francisco in 1973 from Hong Kong. She doesn't have a job. She has a car that
she bought in 1988. She likes to read newspapers.--Oi Hing
My partner's name is Tina Choi. She lives on Ocean Ave. and in her
neighborhood there is a Chinese restaurant. Her favorite restaurant is a
Chinese restaurant. She likes Chinese food because she was born in
Hong Kong. She came to San Francisco 3 years ago and she is from
Hong Kong. She has a job now. She is a cashier. She has a Toyota. She
likes to listen to music and watch Chinese movies in her spare time.--
Albert
My partner's name is Chao Peng Leong. She lives in the Sunset. Her favorite
restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant because she likes Vietnamese food. She came
to San Francisco 12 years ago. She came from Macau. She doesn't have a job now.--
Xiao Wen
My partner's name is Xiao Wen. She lives in the Sunset. Her favorite restaurant
is a Chinese restaurant. She came to San Francisco 15 years ago. She is from
China. She has 5 children. She works at a hotel.--Chao Peng

Interview 1
My partner's name is May Su. She lives in Merced. She has a post office
and a bank in her neighborhood. Her favorite restaurant is a Chinese
restaurant. She came to San Francisco in April, 1992. She doesn't have a
job. She has a car. She doesn't have any hobbies. She doesn't exercise.
She likes to watch TV in her native language.--Maria
My partner's name is Sophy Lee. She lives in San Bruno. Her neighborhood stores are
Walgreens and Starbucks. Her neighborhood restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant.
Her favorite restaurant is a Japanese restaurant. She likes to eat sushi. She came to
San Francisco in 1984. She is from China. She doesn't have a job. She has a green
Toyota. She likes to watch TV.--Sou Ying.
My partner's name is Da Ying. She lives in the Sunset. Many stores are near her
house. There is a supermarket and vegetable produce store, and a Chinese
restaurant. It is her favorite restaurant. She likes dim sum and soup noodles.
She came to San Francisco in 1993. She is from China. Da Ying has a job now
and likes it very much. She has a car. It is a Honda. She likes shopping in her
spare time. It is her hobby. Da Ying sometimes likes to exercise and watch TV in
her native language.--Luba
My partner's name is Maria. She is from Mexico. She lives in the

Richmond now. Her neighborhood stores are Walgreens and a bank. Her
neighborhood has many many Mexican restaurants. She always eats
Mexican food because it is good food. She doesn't have a job in S.F. She
doesn't have a car. In her spare time she watches TV. She doesn't have
any hobbies.--May Su
My partner's name is Sue Chan. She lives in San Francisco. Her neighborhood store is
Safeway. Her neighborhood restaurant is ABC. Her favorite restaurant is a Vietnamese
restaurant. She likes to eat. She is from China. She doesn't have a job. She has a car.
She likes to watch TV.--Sophy
My partner's name is Luba. She is from Ukraine. She came to the U.S. in 1997.
She lives on Sloat Blvd. She likes doing exercises every day, reading, dancing,
and she is a babysitter. Her favorite restaurant is Metropolitan.--Da Ying

Interview 1
My partner's name is Michelle Chen. She lives on Scott Street nearby

John Adams, so she can walk to school every day. If she goes shopping,
she must take the bus because there are no stores nearby. Her favorite
restaurants are many Chinese and Thai restaurants. She likes to eat very
much, so she likes every kind of food. She just came here about one
month ago. She comes from China. She is a student. She has no car.
She likes shopping, reading, and watching TV in her spare time.--Lok King
My partner's name is Maricel. She lives in the Sunset. There is a Chinese supermarket
in her neighborhood. There is a Chinese restaurant in her neighborhood. Her favorite
restaurant is Pacific Cafe. She likes to eat Chinese dim sum. On November 26, 2003,
she came to San Francisco. Now she doesn't have a job and she doesn't have a car.
She likes to read. She likes to watch TV. She doesn't like to exercise.--Mei Fung
My partner's name is Oihing Li. She lives in the Sunset in San Francisco. A
Chinese restaurant is in her neighborhood. She has a car. She is a housewife.
She came from China in 1991. Oihing has three children and she likes to
exercise.--LaiYee
My partner's name is Mei Fung. She's from China. She came to San
Francisco in 1992. She lives in the Richmond District near the beach. She
likes her location because there are good neighbors. It's near stores and
Golden Gate Park too. There are Chinese restaurants so she likes to eat
Chinese food. She likes to eat seafood. She studies English. In her spare
time she likes reading, listening to music, and watching TV. She likes to
exercise too.--Maricel
My partner's name is Zhaoping. She lives in the Sunset. She has many stores and
restaurants in her neighborhood. Her favorite restaurant is Dong Jian restaurant
because it has Chinese food. She likes all the Chinese food. She came to San
Francisco in September, 2004. She's from China. She's not working now and she has
a blue car. She likes shopping and her hobby is cooking.--Dieu
My partner's name is Dieu. She is from Vietnam. She lives on Sloat Blvd. in S.F.
now. In her neighborhood there are many stores and restaurants. Her favorite
restaurant is a Japanese restaurant because she likes sushi. She came to SF
on August 5, 2004. She doesn't have a job now, because she studies English at
John Adams. She doesn't have a car. In her spare time she likes to study
English, clean her house, and sleep. She doesn't have any hobbies. She likes to
exercise, but she doesn't have any time to do it. She likes to watch TV in
English because it helps to study English.--Ludmila

Interview 1
My partner's name is Mila. She has a white car. She likes cats and dogs.
She said that she came to San Francisco in August, 2004. She likes
McDonalds. She likes to listen to music, but doesn't like to exercise. She
likes to watch TV in English because her TV is only in the English
language.--Zhaoping
My partner's name is Firuza. She is from Uzbekistan. She lives in San Francisco, on
Arguello Blvd. Her neighborhood store is Safeway. She doesn't know any restaurants
around the neighborhood because she just came to San Francisco 2 months ago. She
likes to cook. She cooks rice and meat. She doesn't have a job. She doesn't have a
car. She likes to play tennis, dance, and sing. She likes to exercise. She runs every
morning. Sometimes she watches T.V. in English.--Carmen
My partner's name is Carmen. She lives on Alemany Blvd. in S.F. She has
Pacific stores in her neighborhood. She has a Chinese restaurant in her
neighborhood. Her favorite restaurant is Coai, because she likes Chinese food.
She came to S.F. in 1993. She's from China. She doesn't have a job now. She
has a car, a Toyota Corolla. She likes to cook and to watch TV in her free time.
Her hobby's shopping. She likes to bicycle. She likes to watch TV. She watches
the English and Chinese language channels. She has a 2-year-old daughter.--
Firuza
My partner's name is Yao Liu. He lives in the Sunset District. He came to

S.F. in 1996. He came from China. He has a job now. He likes his job. His
job is shipping in a food company. He doesn't like to watch TV, so he
often plays games on the computer in his spare time.--Wan Xia
My partner's name is Wan Xia. She lives in the Sunset District. She is from China. She
doesn't have a job because she came here only six months ago, but she had a job in
Hong Kong last year. She doesn't have a car so her boyfriend drives her. She likes to
dance in her spare time.--Yao Liu.
My partner's name is Gloria. She is from Mexico. Now she lives near John
Adams. She likes Mexican food so much. She comes here for four days. She
studies English hard. She has no job. She is still a student. She doesn't have a
car. She likes to make nice flowers in her spare time. She has good hobbies.
She likes to read. She likes to exercise. She likes to walk around her house.
She doesn't like to watch TV, but she always watches English TV.--Wei

Interview 1
My partner's name is Wei. He lives in San Francisco. He came here five

years ago. His neighborhood store is a supermarket and his
neighborhood has a Chinese restaurant. His favorite food is Chinese
food, especially chicken. He's from China. He doesn't have a job now.
He's a student now. He doesn't have a car, but he likes the white
Mercedes Benz. In his free time he plays football. His hobby is playing
games. He watches TV in his native language and sometimes in English.--
Gloria
My partner's name is Liqiang. He is from China. He has lived in San Francisco about 2
years, in the Inner Sunset District. In his neighborhood there are many stores such as
the post office, drugstore, restaurants, and other shops. His favorite food is seafood.
He came to San Francisco in 2001. He doesn't have a job. He's a student at John
Adams Campus. He has a car, a 2001 silver Honda van. He likes to swim.--Julia
My partner's name is Julia. She lives in the Richmond and there are many
stores in her neighborhood. There are many restaurants. She likes Chinese
food. She came to San Francisco in 1993. She's from Peru. She doesn't work.
She's a student. She has a car. She likes to listen to music and exercise. She
likes to watch TV. She likes Spanish movies--Zi Qiang
My partner's name is King Fung Lok. She lives in the Richmond. In her
neighborhood there are many stores and Chinese restaurants. Her
favorite is a Chinese restaurant because the food is good. She likes fish
and vegetables. She came to San Francisco in 1987. She is from Hong
Kong. She has a part time job. She doesn't like the job. She doesn't have
a car. She likes reading and shopping in her spare time. She likes to
watch TV. She likes to watch TV in English.--Michelle

Jobs
Write About Jobs
I don't have a job in San Francisco, but I'm looking for a job now. I think office jobs are
good. Hotel jobs are bad. In my country, men's jobs are different than jobs for women,
but in San Francisco men's jobs and women's jobs are the same.--Sophy
I have been looking for a security job. Sometimes I'm glad it's dangerous, and
sometimes I think it is safe. In China, security guards must be very strong, but in
the U.S. I think I can be a security guard. In the U.S. we can go to jobs.com to
find different jobs, but in China we can't. We just go to the company to find it.--
Wei
I don't have a job in San Francisco. I have a job in South San Francisco,
in a food company. We make Italian salami and beef too. Sometimes the
job is too hard.--Yao
I don't have a job in S.F. I think hotel housekeeper is a job you can get with just a little
English. I had a job in my country. I worked on TV, and I was a journalist. I think a
singing star is a job that is good. I think a hotel housekeeper or restaurant worker job is
bad.--Firuza
I had a job in San Francisco before 2005. I was a seamstress. I liked my job
because it was fun for me. I was a seamstress in my country too. In my country,
there were no men working as seamstresses. I do not have a job now. I'm still
looking for a seamstress job. I can sew jeans, pants, jackets, and everything
about clothes.--Lai Yee
I don't have a job in San Francisco because my English is very poor, so

I'm not looking for a job. I think that a job with good prospects for
advancement and a lot of money is a good job, and the reverse is a bad
job. In China, jobs for men and women are the same. What men can do,
women can do too.--Mingxing

Jobs
My name is Da Ying Ruan. I am a custodian. I've worked in the San Francisco School
District for four years. Before that, I was a waitress in a Chinese restaurant. I got a lot
of tips, but no benefits and low pay. In China I was a salesperson. The best way to get
a job in San Francisco is from your friend. It is much better.--Da Ying
I came from China and I can only speak a little English, so I don't have a job in S.
F. I don't want a job now. I wish I could speak English well, so I try to study
English in John Adams. I had a job in Macao. I was a sales manager. I think it's
a good job. In my country, the jobs are not different for everyone if you get good
conditions. I don't like the jobs that have a lot of manual work. I think that is a
bad job because I'm a weak woman. I would feel very tired every day. I think the
good job is a teacher, a doctor, an engineer, and so on.--Xia
I had a job in my country. I worked as a lab technician for many years,

until 1992. In 1993 I traveled to the U.S.A., San Francisco. I didn't speak
English. That was hard for me. Immediately I went to the adult English
classes at the campus. Since that time I sometimes study and I was
studying to be a CNA (nurse). I liked it a lot. In San Francisco there are
many kinds of jobs. There are the same opportunities for men and
women, but now it is difficult. I think that what jobs are good or bad
depends.--Julia
My name is May. I'm from China. I don't have a job in San Francisco, but in my country
I had a job. I was a salesgirl. I sold a lot of rice every day. I liked my job because every
day I served many many people.--May
I was working in a supermarket about ten years ago. I liked this job but I couldn't
improve my English so I changed my job. I found another job. Now I do
housekeeping. I want to improve my English. In my country, it's easy to find a
good job. In the U.S. it's difficult because I don't have higher education.--King
Fung.
My name is Xiao Wen. I have a job in a hotel as a housekeeper. I've

worked there about nine months. Sometimes I like my job, but sometimes
I don't like my job because the rooms are very dirty and take a lot of time
to clean and I get tired. When I like my job, it's because sometimes I get a
tip and the room is clean.--Xiao
I have a job in San Francisco. I'm a home care provider. My parents are my recipients.
I like my job. I'm helping two old people. I think this is a good job for me now. I was a
Russian language teacher. This was my job in my country.--Luba

Jobs
I work at the San Francisco Tennis Club. I am a housekeeper. I wash towels

and clean machines. I like this job. I see the members every day. I am learning
some English.--Sue
Hi. My name is Gloria. I'm not looking for a job, but I am a nun. Now I
work with young people in different churches on the weekends. During
the week I study English in college at John Adams in San Francisco. In
my country I was a nurse. I love my two jobs because it is very interesting
to help people.--Gloria
I had a job in my country. I was very lucky when I came to the U.S.A. I got the same
job as before in my country. I was a sample maker. I liked my job very much, but last
year I got laid off. I was very upset. I think right now it is difficult to find a job in S.F. My
English is not good. I want to learn more English. I want to come to school every day. I
hope I can find a good job in the future.--Carmen
I was a clerk. I worked in a Chinese store. I served customers. Sometimes I was

a cashier, and sometimes I sold something to a customer. I liked the job but the
salary was low. Now my boss is retired. I don't have a job. I want to get a new
job. I continue to study English. I want to get a job cleaning houses.--Mei Fung
In my country I was an anesthesiologist. I liked my job, but now I need to

learn English to have a job in a hospital. I'm studying very hard. Why?
Because in one more year I want to go to school to do something about
my career. I think respiratory therapy is good for me because I know
about this work. I'm from the Dominican Republic and the jobs in my
country are the same as here, but the pay is too bad. I think that a good
job is one that you do well and you say you are happy with. When you
don't like the job, then it is too bad for you and for the people that work
with you.--Brenda
In my country I was a waitress. I liked this job, but then I took care of my son so I didn't
have a job. In my country most jobs are very hard. In San Francisco I don't have a job.
I don't speak English, so I need to study English. Then I will look for a job.--Wendy
I had a job in my country. I was a mechanic. I liked this job. Now in San
Francisco, I don't have a job. I go to school Monday to Friday and study English,
but it is very difficult for me.--Zi Qiang

Jobs
I don't have a job now because I don't speak English. I'm studying English
and then I'm going to find half-time work because I want to study more. I
want to be a nurse. In My country I was a salesperson in a big store. I
worked in a restaurant too. I was a waitress. In my country I did not have
many options but now it is different because I have many opportunities to
study and work so I can be a professional. I want to study hard.--Maricel
My name is Dieu. I'm from Vietnam. I was a hairdresser in my country. I think this job is
very good for me in my country and in the U.S.--Dieu
I got a job at Levi's six years ago. I was a sample maker. I liked my job very
much because I could make my own clothes, but now I got laid off. I don't feel
good about that, but I can go to school and learn more English. I hope some day
I can find a good job.--Chao Peng
My friend has a job. She is a salesperson. She works in an import and

export company. I think that her job is a big job because she is very busy
every day. Every day she deals with many documents, makes offers,
replies to her customers and makes contracts with her customers. She
often said that she doesn't have any time to meet me when I call her, so I
don't like her job. If I had a job, I would like to be a teacher. I would have
two vacations in a year. I could take a trip around the world.--Zhaoping
I don't have a job now. In my native country I was a seamstress. I liked it. I want to
learn English because I need to look for a job for me. I'd like to work in a department
store.--Maria

Interview 2
My partner's name is May. She lives at Lake Merced in a house, but she doesn't like it
because it is not convenient. It's a residential area. There aren't any commercial
businesses, but it is safe, quiet, etc. She came to San Francisco in 1992 and likes the
weather a lot. Her favorite place is Fisherman's Wharf because it's beautiful and has a
lot of fun and entertainment.--Julia
My partner's name is Mina. She lives in the Sunset. She likes her house very
much because she has a good backyard and a garage. Inside the garage there
is a washing machine and dryer, and she has cable TV. She likes her
neighborhood. It is quiet and convenient. She came to San Francisco 12 years
ago. Her favorite place is San Francisco because it is beautiful.--Sophy
My partner's name is May. She lives in the Richmond. She likes her
house because her house has a garage, washing machine, backyard,
basement and closets. She likes her neighborhood because it doesn't
have a lot of traffic, and it's quiet, convenient and safe. She came to San
Francisco in 1992. She likes the freedom, weather, and clean air in San
Francisco. Her favorite places are Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach.--
Wendy
My partner's name is Wendy. She lives in the Sunset. She lives with her aunt's family.
Her house has a garage, washing machine, backyard, basement, and closets. She
likes her neighborhood because her neighborhood is quiet and convenient. She came
to San Francisco in 2003, about a year ago. She likes San Francisco. Her favorite
places are the Golden Gate Bridge and many streets. She likes the clean air.--Mei
Fung
My partner's name is Julia. She lives in the Richmond District. She doesn't live
in a house. She lives in an apartment. Her apartment has a garage, basement,
closets, and cable TV. She likes her neighborhood. She says it's very
convenient, quiet, and has a cafe. She came to S.F. in 1992. She likes Golden
Gate Park in S.F.--May

Interview 2
My partner's name is Lok King Fung. She lives in the Richmond. She likes
her house because it is very big. Her house has a washing machine,
dryer, closets and cable TV. She likes her neighborhood because it
doesn't have a lot of traffic, is quiet, convenient and safe. She came to
San Francisco about 18 years ago. She likes San Francisco because of
its weather. Her favorite place is the Golden Gate Bridge because it's
beautiful!--Michelle
My partner's name is Carmen. She lives on Alemany Blvd. She likes her house
because her house has a garage, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, backyard,
basement, closets and cable TV. She only doesn't have an attic. It is convenient to the
BART station, and is in a good safe area. She came to San Francisco in 1993. She
likes San Francisco because the city is beautiful. Her favorite place is the beach.--Sue
My partner's name is Sue. She's from China. She came to San Francisco in
1990. She lives in the Sunset. She likes her house. Her house has a backyard,
basement, garage, washing machine, and dryer. Her house has no attic and no
cable TV. She likes her neighborhood because the street is quiet and it's
convenient to the bus station and near Safeway, so it's easy to go shopping. Her
neighborhood is safe. She likes San Francisco very much. She has lived in San
Francisco for a long time. She likes S.F. She can go to school for free. Her
favorite place is in the Sunset, a quiet area near the beach. She can see the
sunset every day.--Carmen
My partner's name is Michelle Chen. She lives on Scott Street. She likes
her house because it is very beautiful. It has a washing machine, dryer,
and dishwasher, so it is very convenient and she feels very comfortable.
She likes her neighborhood. It is very quiet and safe. She came to San
Francisco about three months ago. She likes San Francisco because the
air is very clean and the weather is warmer than another place.--King
Fung
My partner's name is Gloria. She lives very close to John Adams. She likes her house
convent. It's very nice and quiet. She likes her neighborhood because it's commercial.
She likes the convenience. She can catch a bus and the place is safe. She came here
18 days ago. She doesn't know anywhere but she likes the Golden Gate Bridge. It's an
amazing place.--Wei

Interview 2
My partner's name is Wei. He lives near the Cow Palace. He doesn't like his
house because it's old and so small. It doesn't have cable TV, a washing
machine, or a garage. He likes the neighborhood because it has a restaurant
and washing machine and it is quiet and safe. He came here three years ago.
He doesn't like San Francisco because he doesn't speak well. He doesn't have
a favorite place in San Francisco but he doesn't know why.--Gloria
My partner's name is Sophy. She lives on Silver. She likes her house very
much and the neighborhood is convenient. Her house has a big garage.
She likes to watch TV so she has cable TV. Her neighborhood is safe.
She loves her house. She came to San Francisco in 1984. She likes San
Francisco, because it has nice weather. Also it's easy to take a bus to go
anywhere.--Chao Peng
My partner's name is Yao. He is from China. He lives in the Sunset. He is working in

South San Francisco at a salami company. When he was in China, he liked to fix cars.
That is why he misses China.--Camille
My partner's name is Camille. She is from the Philippines. She lives in the
Richmond. She likes San Francisco because she likes the weather. Right now
she is studying ESL classes because she wants to learn more about English,
and some day she wants to be a nurse. She finished high school in her country.--
Yao
My partner's name is Maria. She lives in the Richmond, at an apartment

on 21st Avenue. She likes it because it's big and has a garage, washing
machine, dryer, and cable TV too. She likes the neighborhood. It's quiet
and residential. She came to San Francisco about 2 years ago. She likes
San Francisco because it's beautiful and her favorite places are the
Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park.--Oi Hing
My partner's name is Oi Hing Li. She lives in the Sunset between 37th and 38th
Avenue. She likes her house because it's big. She has a garage and cable TV. She
likes her neighborhood because it's easy to take the bus and also the people are
friendly. She came to San Francisco four years ago. She likes San Francisco because
it's beautiful. Her favorite place is the Sunset.--Maria
My partner's name is Xian Wen Kuang. She lives in the Sunset District. She
loves her house very much because it is convenient to shopping and
transportation. She has a big garage and basement. Also her backyard has
many nice flowers. She likes her neighborhood. It is safe, quiet, and residential.
She came to San Francisco in 1984.--Da Ying

Interview 2
My partner's name is Da Ying Ruan. She lives in the Sunset. She likes
her house because her house has a garage, dryer, washing machine,
backyard, basement, and closets. She also likes her neighborhood
because the neighborhood is quiet and safe. She came to San Francisco
about 13 years ago, and she likes San Francisco very much because
there are many Chinese people in San Francisco and the weather is
nice.--Xiao
My partner's name is Maricel. She lives in San Francisco. She lives in an apartment in
the Sunset. This place is very convenient and safe. That apartment has everything.
She came to San Francisco one year ago and likes the weather here because it's cold
and clear. She has so many favorite places. This place is ideal for her.--Dieu
My partner's name is Dieu. She lives on Sloat Boulevard. She likes her house.
She likes her neighborhood too. It's residential. It's quiet, convenient and safe.
She came to San Francisco six months ago. She likes San Francisco because it
is beautiful. She doesn't have favorite places yet, because she doesn't know the
places in S.F.--Maricel
My partner's name is Luba. She lives in the Sunset District in San

Francisco. She likes her house very much because her house is big and
has a garage, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, backyard, basement,
attic, closets, and cable TV. She likes her neighborhood because her
neighborhood is quiet, convenient, residental, and safe. She came to San
Francisco in 1970. She likes San Francisco very very much because it's
not too cool or too hot. Her favorite place is Golden Gate Park because
this place is very beautiful.--Vera
My partner's name is Claudio. He likes his apartment. He said his apartment has a
washing machine, dryer, cable TV, basement, etc. He also said that his neighborhood
is very convenient and safe. He came to San Francisco at the end of last year. His
favorite place is the Golden Gate Bridge.--Zhaoping
My partner's name is Luba. She lives in the Sunset District. She lives in a big
house. She has a garage, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, backyard,
closets, and cable TV. She likes her neighborhood, because it is a very quiet,
convenient, residential and commercial district. She came to San Francisco 7
years ago. She likes San Francisco because this is a very beautiful city. City
Hall is her favorite place in San Francisco--Lyba.

Shopping
I like shopping. My favorite store for clothes is Mervyn's. I like to go windowshopping in

many stores before starting shopping. I prefer to pay cash because credit cards make
me spend a lot of money. The same thing about shopping in S.F. and my country is
that there are big malls for purchases. The different thing is the prices in my country
are lower than here.--Doaa
I like shopping. I usually shop for groceries in Chinatown. I usually shop for
clothes in Old Navy. My favorite store is Cosco. I never buy used clothes. I don't
go to garage sales. I like to go windowshopping. I shop using a credit card. I
never shop on the Internet.--Michelle
I like to go shopping and go to the supermarket because I like walking,

looking, and sometimes buying something on sale that's cheap. In my
native country and in San Francisco shopping is the same, but most
things are cheaper. I don't shop at garage sales and second-hand stores.
Sometimes I go to Sunset Super to buy vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and
candy. I always pay cash when I buy something. I don't have a favorite
store and don't shop on the Internet either.--Wendy
I like shopping. Sometimes I go to Macy's and Ross to buy clothes but I sometimes get
to garage sales, which are very cheap. Comparing San Francisco and China shopping,
in China you can buy things very cheap, but San Francisco stores sometimes have
things on sale cheap too. I like to go to the supermarket to buy food. I don't like
shopping on the Internet. I never use a credit card to buy anything.--Xiu Ling

Shopping
I don't like to go shopping because it wastes a lot of time. Usually I make my

own clothes so I don't have a favorite store, but I like to go buy groceries
because I like to cook. Sometimes I like to go to Chinatown to buy groceries
because it's cheap. Sometimes I like to go to garage sales, like last weekend I
got ten chapter books for my daughter for only $5. That was a very good deal.--
Mina
I am a housewife. I want to buy cheap and fresh food. When groceries

are on sale, I will buy something. Sometimes I like to go to Chinatown to
buy vegetables, meat, eggs and fruit. I like to go windowshopping. I can
look at different clothes.--Mei Fung
I have been here only several months. I bought a lot of really beautiful clothes in my
country and brought them with me, so I'm not interested in shopping here. If somebody
goes shopping at garage sales with me, I will be very happy. I like shopping on the
Internet too, because it is convenient and cheap.--Vera
I'm Dieu Truong. I usually shop for clothes at Macy's and Ross but I like Macy's
better because it's a big store and has many things. I can choose all the things
for myself when I need them. It's a convenient place for me because it's near my
house. Sometimes I also go to secondhand stores with my friends, but I just look
for a moment because the clothes don't fit me and I don't really like it.--Dieu
I like to go shopping but not windowshopping, only to buy what I want. I

usually go shopping at Costco and Safeway. Sometimes I go to Macy's to
buy some clothes. I do shopping on the Internet too. My favorite store is
blockbuster. I can rent movies and video games. In my country, you can't
shop on the Internet. That is the only thing different from San Francisco. --
Yao
I like shopping. I usually go to Costco to buy CD-Rs, food, noodles, and more. I usually
buy clothes in Old Navy and Gap. I like that style because it's casual and cheap. I don't
have a credit card. I always pay cash. Sometimes I shop online but I use my friend's
credit card. I like to buy music CDs online. They are cheaper than in the store. In my
country, there aren't any companies like Costco. They just sell one thing, like one
place just sells clothes, and another place sells another thing. Is it funny?!!--Wei

Shopping
I bought a nice large red dress for Christmas at Macy's store, in Stonestown. It
was cheaper. There are always some clothes on sale. This is the best time to
shop. In my native country it is different because the stores are too small and
crowded. I like San Francisco because it's very convenient. There are always
many ways to shop--garage sales, shopping with a credit card, on the Internet,
second-hand stores, etc. My favorite store for groceries is Cosco and Smart and
Final too; for clothes it is Macy's and Ross, etc. I don't like windowshopping
because I suffer when I see something I like and I can't buy it. It's hard for me.--
Julia
I often go shopping at Target because it has much cheaper prices and

many more different kinds of things for sale. I can easily find my things. I
rarely use a credit card. I'm afraid I'll forget to pay the bills. Sometimes I
have to do shopping on the Internet. It is very funny. Hong Kong is a very
modern place and everything is very up-to-date. The prices are cheaper
than in San Francisco. In Hong Kong if you buy something you cannot
return or exchange it, but in San Francisco you can.--King Fung
I like to shop at Cosco to buy food, and I like to shop in San Francisco. San Francisco
stores are big and in my country they are small. I sometimes go to Target and Macy's
to shop, and sometimes go to garage sales. It's cheap but I don't shop for used
clothes. I usually use a credit card for Internet shopping and I like windowshopping too.
My favorite store is Ross.--Oi Hing
I like to go windowshopping very much. I like to see new style clothes. I usually
go to the supermarket to buy food and vegetables for one week, so I use my
credit card. I haven't bought any clothes in San Francisco because I don't know
where the clothes are good and cheap, but I usually bought many clothes in
China. It was all new designer clothes and very cheap. My niece said that it was
very cool that I shopped with her, so she often asked me to buy clothes with her
when I lived in China.--Zhaoping
I don't like to go to shop at the supermarket or the clothes store too much.
I think that it is boring for me, but sometimes I go shopping with my son.
He likes the Disney Store very much. Garage sales are interesting for me
because sometimes I can buy some antiques and after fixing and
cleaning them, they look pretty good. On the Internet I only buy travel
tickets to fly to another place and sometimes some clothes for my son.--
Brenda

Shopping
Hi. My name is Gloria. I like to shop. I usually shop for groceries in Costco and
Mexican stores. I don't usually go to shop for clothes, but sometimes I need shoes and
sweaters. My favorite store is Ross because there are economical things there.
Sometimes I buy things secondhand. I never go to garage sales because I don't have
time. I don't like to go windowshopping. It's boring for me. I don't use a credit card. I
never shop on the Internet. In my native city it is almost similar. All people use the
Internet for shopping, and we also have big stores in different places.--Gloria
I like shopping. I don't shop in San Francisco because everything is so

expensive and there are no good designs. I like to go to France to go shopping
once or twice every year. I buy clothes, shirts, shoes, and everything. I don't like
to shop at garage sales or buy used clothes. I like to use a credit card because I
don't like to take cash to go shopping. I don't like shopping on the Internet
because I don't know the design and quality. I like windowshopping because I
am in the garment business. If I know the up-to-date information, it will help my
ideas.--Danny

Families
I have a good family. I live together with my mother and my sister's family. I think it's
very good for women to take care of their children, but sometimes women need to earn
money to support their life. It's good for older parents to live with adult children
because they can help to cook something for their adult children and the adult children
can take care of them and then the family will be happy and safe. Now in Hong Kong
parents can't spank children.--King Fung
I have a big family living in Viet Nam. I love my family. I think women working
outside the home is very good but they don't have time to take care of their
children carefully. If the children don't obey or are restive, you should take a
long time to show them how to act.--Dieu
My name is Gloria. I have a big family, five sisters and two brothers.
Three sisters are living in Southern California very close to San Diego.
One brother is living in Orange County and the other one is in Mexico. My
sister Luisa works just as a housewife, but I think that work is very tiring
because she has five children and nobody helps her. Her husband works
almost all day. My sister Liliana is very intelligent because she and her
husband work together. They share every chore and work. My youngest
sister just got married.--Gloria
I think the family is important to me. A family of people living together and helping each
other makes life happy. I think women should work outside except for women who
have small children. Women should take care of their small children at home. I think
parents should not spank their children. Mothers-in-law have a stereotype.--Mei Fung

Families
I'm going to write about my country's culture and my big family. I have four
brothers and one sister. All my family live in my native country. In my country the
majority of the women need to work outside the home because their lives are
very hard, but I think when a woman has a little baby she needs to take care of
the baby. I think sometimes it is a good idea for adult children to live with older
parents because they need help. I think when children do something bad
sometimes it's good to give them a little spank.--Maricel
I live in this city with my husband and our son. He's 3 years old. I have
two sisters and two brothers. They live in New York with my parents. My
sisters have three daughters and they go to school in Queens. My
younger brother isn't married and he works in the NYPD in the computer
department and my older brother is married but doesn't have children. He
has his own business. In my family when the children are small the
women take care of them and don't have a job and when they go to
school then the mother goes to work. In my country sometimes it is the
same. We rarely spank the children. I think it's better to talk with them. In
my country the people have a stereotype for mothers-in-law. They think
that they are busybodies.--Brenda
I have a big family. I have 3 sisters and 3 brothers. My family is in Macau. I'm the only
one in S.F. In my country women work outside the home. Some women have a very
good job and take care of their family very well, so I think women with small children
should have a job. In my country a long time ago, older parents always lived with their
adult children, but now it is changing. To me, living with older parents is okay.--Mina
My whole family is in San Francisco. They are retired. We like it here very much.
I have a brother and a sister. I think women working outside or working with
small children is the same. I think parents spanking children is not good. Some
children complain to their teachers and then you have a problem.--Zi Qiang
I have a small family but it's wonderful and harmonic. I love them. I think
there are many kinds of families, functional or disfunctional. It depends.
Women shouldn't work when they have small children. They should be
with them. Older parents are positive because they are a model to follow
for education. The weather is convenient in San francisco because there
isn't much rain or heat. My family is the reason I live.--Julia

Families
Long, long ago, most of the people in China lived with their mothers-in-law, so the
daughter-in-law must accept whatever her husband and mother-in-law said because
she went to her husband and mother-in-law's home when they were married. If the
woman doesn't agree with what her husband and mother-in-law said, the people think
that the woman is not a good daughter-in-law. Her mother-in-law used to be a
daughter-in-law.--Zhao Ping
I have a small family. My relatives live in San Francisco. Women work outside
the home in my native country. I think women with small children have a heavy
job every day. I think it is a good idea for older parents to live with their adult
children. This family is very good. A stereotype for mothers-in-law in my native
country is negative. They only love their children.--Luba
I have a small family. My brother's family is in China. In my country

women who have small children maybe take care of their children and go
to work. If old parents take care of the small children, the women go to
work. In China, almost all adult children live with their old parents.
Sometimes parents spank children because children are noisy. Mothers-
in-law have a stereotype . If she says something, my husband and I agree
and accept it.--Wendy
I have a big family. My parents and my sisters all live in San Francisco, but my
grandfather lives alone in New York. I like a big family because everyone can help
each other. For examle, my grandfather has to shovel the heavy snow in front of his
house by himself after it snows. The adult children don't need to spend a lot of time to
do housework, so I think it's a good idea for older parents to live with their adult
children.--Vera
I have a small family. My husband and I are in San Francisco. In my country the
women work outside the home. I think women with small children should have a
job if the children have somebody to take care of them. If the children don't have
anyone to take care of them, the women shouldn't have a job. I think it's a good
idea for older parents to live with their adult children because they can take care
of each other.--Michelle

Interview 3
My partner's name is Gloria. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco and she didn't in
her country either. She would like to be a cashier. When she was young, she wanted
to be a teacher and a lawyer. She speaks English at home, on the bus, in a store, in
school, and with her daughter. People understand her but sometimes she has trouble
understanding people. Sometimes she remembers something to help people
understand. She didn't know any English when she came to San Francisco, so she
thinks her English is improving. She sometimes stays home and she goes somewhere
too. She goes to the supermarket to buy something and goes to the laundromat to
wash her clothes on the weekend.--Wendy
My partner's name is May. She's not working in San Francisco. She worked as a
saleswoman in her native country. She wants to find herself. She speaks
English on the bus and in a store. People usually understand her, but she
doesn't always understand them. She thinks her English is improving and she
studies every day. She wants to go to the library on the weekend.--Luba
My partner's name is Oi Hing. She worked at a nursery when she lived in

China. She liked her job. Now she doesn't have a job in San Francisco,
but she has three lovely children, so she loves them much better than her
job. She is a happy woman.--Zhao Ping.
My partner's name is Zhao Ping. She came here about five months ago. She had a job
in her native country. She was a salesperson in a big company. She liked that job so
much. People usually understand her but sometimes she doesn't understand other
people. She knew some English when she came to San Francisco. Now she is
improving her English because she is learning English at John Adams. She studies
very hard. She is also studying at the Saturday class.--King Fung.

Interview 3
My partner's name is Nancy. She came from El Salvador. She doesn't have a
job in San Francisco, but she had a job in her country. She worked at a bank.
She'd like to be a waitress some time. She speaks English with her nephew.
People understand her English a little. She knew a little English when she came
to San Francisco. She goes to church every Sunday. During church she reads
the Bible, sings songs, and prays to God. She would rather go somewhere
instead of staying at home on the weekend.--Zi Qiang
My partner's name is Maricel. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco.

She had a job in her native country. She was a waitress. When she was
young she wanted to be a secretary. She speaks English on the bus and
in a store. People usually understand when she speaks English. She has
trouble understanding other people. She didn't know English before she
came to San Francisco. She thinks her English is improving. She and her
husband go to church on the weekend.--Michelle
My partner's name is Cláudio. He has a job in San Francisco. He was an accountant in

his country. When he was young he didn't think about a job. He speaks English in his
work and his house. People sometimes understand him and sometimes not. His
weekend is very busy with his job, going to his parents', and movies.--Sophy
My partner's name is Mina. She's from Macao. She didn't have a job in her
native country and she doesn't have one in San Francisco either. When she was
young, she wanted to be a singer, but as an adult she would like to work as a
sample maker. She didn't speak English in her country but she does in the U.S.
A. in San Francisco. As for her English, usually people understand her and she
thinks it is improving too.--Julia
My partner's name is Doaa. She is from Egypt. She was a teacher when
she was in Egypt. She also wanted to be a teacher when she was young,
but now she doesn't have a job yet. She speaks English everywhere. Her
English is improving. She can ask about anything she wants and is
interested in studying languages.--Vera
My partners' names are Wei and Yao. They are from China. Wei never worked in his
native country. He was a student. Sometimes he has trouble understanding other
people. He thinks that his English is improving because he speaks English in the
stores and the classroom. Yao didn't work before he came to the USA. He only studied
in college. Now he is working at a salami company. Yau thinks that his English is not
improving. He speaks English at his work, in the store, and in the classroom. He
doesn't have plans for the weekend.--Gloria L.

Interview 3
My partner's name is Luba. She doesn't have a job in S.F. but she had a job in
her native country. She was a teacher. She would like to be a teacher in S.F. in
the future. She studies English very well. I think she will be successful. She
usually speaks English on the bus and in a store. People usually understand
her.--May
My partner's name is Julia. She is from Peru. She had a job in S.F. She
was a nurse. She had the same job in her country. When she was young
she wanted to be a nurse and she was. She knew some English before
she came here. She speaks English at work, at home and at the store.
Her English is improving. She likes to have plans on the weekend. She
likes to go out. She doesn't like to cook but sometimes she cooks for her
children. On the weekend she likes to go everywhere. People usually
understand her when she speaks English--Mina
My partner's name is Vera. She is from China. She came to S.F. to study English and
find a job. She wants to be a teacher. Her English is improving because she speaks
English with people. She stays at home on the weekend and practices keyboarding.--
Doaa
My partner's name is Cláudio. He has a job in San Francisco. He is a delivery

person, but he was an accountant in his native country. When he was young he
didn't think of any job. He speaks a little English at home and work. People
usually understand him. He thinks his English is improving.--Mei Fung
My partner's name is Wendy. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco. In

her country she was a housewife. She takes care of her son. She would
like to be a waitress. When she was young, she wanted to have a job as
a waitress. She speaks English on the bus, at the store, at school and
sometimes taking care of her son. Sometimes she understands people.
When she came to San Francisco, she didn't speak English.--Gloria B.
My partner's name is Zi Qiang. He is from China. He doesn't have a job in San

Francisco but he had a job in his native country. He worked as a mechanic and he
says that the job was sometimes hard and sometimes easy. He usually speaks English
in school, sometimes in his home with his family, and sometimes in some stores too.
He says that people don't understand too much when he speaks English. He says that
he has some plans for the weekend. He's going to go swimming and to the park with
his son.--Nancy

Interview 3
My partner's name is Gloria. Gloria has lived in the U.S.A. for 3 years, but she
moved to S.F. just 45 days ago. She was a nurse in Mexico. She likes to help
people, but that job does not pay well. Her favorite job is a nun. She prays every
day. She speaks English on the bus and in the class, and people sometimes
don't understand her. She knew a little English when she came to SF.--Wei
My partners' names are Wei and Gloria. They live in S.F., so now we're
classmates. Gloria is from Mexico and Wei is from China. They don't have
jobs in S.F., but I do. Wei would like to be a D.J. and Gloria likes being a
nun. Wei and Gloria can speak very good English.--Yao
My partner's name is Da Ying. She has a job in San Francisco. She is a custodian.
She speaks English everywhere but sometimes somebody doesn't understand her so
she has trouble understanding other people. She studied English before she came to
San Francisco. She thinks her English is improving. She has many plans for the
weekend. She is taking the children to Chinese school and then going to the park.--
Dieu
My partner's name is Michelle. She doesn't have a job now. She worked in her
native country. She was an accountant. Now she wants to find a job in an office.
When she was young she wanted to be a teacher. She doesn't speak English at
home, but sometimes she does at the store. She says people don't understand
her. She studied English in her country and she says her English is improving.
This weekend on Saturday she's going to go shopping.--Maricel
My partner's name is Dieu. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but
she had a job before in her country. She was a hair stylist. Now she
would like to find a job the same as her job in her country. When she was
young she didn't have any plans about what to do when she grew up. She
doesn't speak Englosh at home. Sometimes she speaks English in a
store. Sometimes people don't understand her.--Da Ying

Exercise and Sports
I like to exercise. I like to run and walk. In my native country I liked to play ping pong. I
played tennis with my son. In my country, women and men do a little different sports. I
like to watch jumping jacks and Olympics gymnastics and equestrian events (horses).--
Sophy
My name is Oi Hing. I like to exercise. I often take time on the weekend for
running. I like to do it. In my country popular sports are football (soccer),
springboard diving, rhythmic gymnastics and artistic gymnastics too. I like to
play some sports with my kid. In my native country the men and women like
different sports. I like to watch boxing on TV and the Olympics on TV too. I like
platform diving and rhythmic gymnastics the best.--Oi Hing
I believe exercise and sports are important for our body's health, so I like
to exercise every day. I go to Golden Gate Park and do Tai Chi and jog.
When I was a kid I always liked a long run. In my native country, many
people like to play ping pong. I like to watch basketball on TV.--Mei Fung
I like to ride a bicycle. When I was in my country, I rode a bicycle to work and shop. It
took me about three hours every day. I think this is a very good sport because it can
save money and give me exercise, but now, if I ride a bicycle in San Francisco, it is
very dangerous. I always like to watch the Olympics on TV, but last year I just watched
the Olympics on TV a little because there was only one channel about the Olympics
and I didn't understand what they said.--Vera
I like to exercise. I like to walk and play table tennis. In my country the popular
sports are football (soccer) and table tennis. The men and women like different
sports. The men like football, basketball and table tennis. The women like table
tennis. I like to watch the Olympics on TV. I like the Olympic sport of diving the
best.--Michelle

Exercise and Sports
I like to exercise, but I don't do exercises. In my country ping pong and

tennis are popular sports. When I was a child, I liked to play ping pong,
ride a bike, and play hopscotch. Men and women like to play different
sports. Men like to play basketball, tennis and bowling. Women like to go
to gyms and do exercise, play tennis in the inside, and go for walks
outside. I like to watch volleyball and soccer. At the Olympics I like to
watch gymnastics, volleyball and ping pong.--Wendy
I like to walk, but I do it only sometimes. In my country the most popular sport is
baseball. You can ask a question in my country and everybody will say, "Sometime I
played baseball." When I was younger, I liked to ride a bicycle. My favorite sport on TV
is baseball. I love the New York Yankees. The Olympic sports I prefer are swimming
and gymnastics, although I like almost all of them.--Brenda
I liked to exercise when I was a teenager. I liked to play badminton and swim. I
did it every day. In my country diving and gymnastics are very popular. Every
time the Olympics comes I like to watch diving because it is very interesting to
me. When I was a kid, I didn't like sports, but I liked to read.--Mina
I like to play sports very much, but I haven't played very often since I
came to San Francisco. In my native country I played so many sports, like
soccer, volleyball, ping pong, badminton, etc. I had gym class every day.
The teacher taught us so many sports and played with us. I play soccer
very well and I like it, but so many people like to play ping pong. I think it
is because there are too many ping pong tables, and that sport is not
tiring. I like to watch the soccer channel and I enjoy it.--Wei
When I was a kid, I always played volleyball and table tennis at school. After I finished
school, I never played any sports because there was no place to play. In my country
people like to play volleyball and table tennis because these sports are very popular in
the country. I like to exercise. Right now I exercise every day, but I don't play sports. I
play hula hoop and ride a bicycle. Sometimes I watch sports on TV. I like to watch ice
skating on TV.--Carmen.
I like different sports, but my favorite sports are volleyball and gymnastics. In my
country the most popular sport is soccer. A lot of people, men and women, play.
I like to watch soccer, volleyball and gymnastics. I love them. I like to watch the
Olympics on TV, but not all the sports, only the ones that are the most important
for me. I think that every sport is special and I can't find which sport is the best.--
Gloria Luz

Exercise and Sports
I don't like to do any sports. I like to watch them on TV or go to the

stadium and see baseball and football (soccer). In my country, the most
popular sport is football. Men and women play that. When I was a child, I
played football and baseball.--Maricel
I like to do Yoga and run for exercise. I did it three times each week from 7 pm - 9 pm
in my country. I enjoyed walking. I went window shopping with my friend if I had any
time. When I was a child, I asked children the same age as me to play hopscotch. I like
to watch the Olympic sports of figure skating and gymnastics on TV.--Zhao Ping
I think everybody does exercise and watches sports such as walking, running,
working out, and yoga. Sometimes I do yoga. When I was a child I did track and
field at school. The most popular sport in my country is football (soccer). I
always like to watch boxing on TV. The best Olympic sport for me in the last
Olympics was swimming.--Julia

Home
I live in a flat. It has three bedrooms, one kitchen, and one bathroom. It doesn't have a
garage or a washing machine and the backyard is a mess, but in my flat we have a
beautiful balcony. I like my neighborhood. Sometimes it is so dirty, but it is good. In my
country I lived in an apartment. I loved it. It was beautiful, and had three bedrooms,
two bathrooms and a good balcony.--Juan
I live in a house. There are eight bedrooms and two living rooms. There are ten
people living in it. It has a garage but there aren't any cars in it because parking
is convenient in front of the house. It has a backyard. My parents always plant
vegetables in the yard. They make compost themselves so the vegetables are
good. We like to eat these vegetables more often than the ones you buy in a
store.--Vera
I live in an apartment. It's an old one. My apartment has a kitchen,

bathroom, living room and bedroom. The kitchen has an oven. I use the
oven to make different kinds of food. In my country the kitchen doesn't
have an oven. I like the oven because I can try different kinds of cooking,
for example, making cakes, bread, and beef steak.--Michelle
I live in a house with my daughter's family. It has 5 rooms: a kitchen, living room,
dining room, and two bedrooms. Four people and a big dog live in it. It has a garage, a
very big and beautiful backyard, and a washing machine and dryer. This is very
perfect. In my native country I had a similar house. I know my neighbors are good,
very quiet and hard-working.--Luba
I think the cost of living is much higher here than in my country, but San
Francisco is more comfortable and convenient than my native country. I live in
the Richmond District. I have one living room, two bedrooms, one dining room,
and one kitchen. The neighborhood is safe and convenient. There are many
schools, markets, malls, churches, restaurants, and good transportation. I
believe the U.S.A. is the best.--Julia

Home
I live in a flat. I have one bedroom and I live by myself. I have a garage, a
backyard, and a washing machine. Housing in my country is the same.--
Laila
I live in a house. It has 7 rooms. There are 5 people living in it. There is a yard, a
garage, and a washing machine. It's different from my house in my native country. A
lot of people use wood floors here but in my native country they didn't. I seldom know
about my neighbors.--Dieu
I live in a house. My house has 5 rooms and a garage. It has a front and back
yard. It also has a washing machine and dryer. Here the houses are different
than in my native country because in my country all are tall buildings, so I was
on the 5th floor in the building. I know my neighbors. They are very nice to me
all the time. I like my neighborhood. It is clean, quiet and safe.--Mina
My aunt's family and my family live in a flat. I have five bedrooms, two
kitchens, three bathrooms and a living room. Nine people live in the flat. I
have a garage, a backyard, and a washing machine. In my country I lived
in an apartment. I knew my neighbors, but here I don't know my
neighbors. My neighborhood is good because Walgreens store's clerk is
very nice.--Wendy
My home is an apartment. It has three rooms in it. My family of four people lives
together here. We have one garage and a small yard. In the garage there are two
washing machines. In my native country apartments sometimes have two or three
floors. My neighbors are very kindly.--Sio Wan.
I live in a flat that has two floors. I live on the first floor. There are two bedrooms,
a kitchen, bathroom, yard and garage. I live with my husband and my husband's
brothers. I don't have a washing machine because the electricity and gas aren't
very cheap. The houses in my country are different because they are bigger and
no one shares a house with another family. The weather is hotter and the yard
has many mango trees.--Laura
I live in a convent. It is like home. I have a lot of rooms. I live with many,
many sisters in my house. I have a small garage. We don't have a yard,
only a little garden. I have a washing machine. In my native country the
houses are bigger because they have big yards and big gardens. I don't
know my neighbors because my house is between a school and offices.
My neighborhood is good.--Gloria

Home
I live in an apartment. There are five rooms in my apartment. There is one bathroom,
one living room, two bedrooms and one kitchen. My apartment doesn't have a garage
or a washing machine. In my native country, I think that the houses are the same as in
San Francisco. I don't know my neighbors, but near my apartment there is a dog
grooming salon, grocery store and sushi restaurant.--Zhaoping
I live in an apartment. It has five rooms. There is a kitchen, living room, dining
room, and two bedrooms. I live with my parents and brothers. It has a garage. It
doesn't have a yard or a washing machine. When I need to wash my clothes I
go to the laundromat. In my native country I lived in a house. It was bigger than
my apartment and quieter than here. I don't know my neighbors and the
neighborhood is sometimes noisy. It is safe and clean, but I don't like it because
it is very far from the stores.--Patricia

Interview 4
My partner's name is Gloria. She usually eats fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch and
has sandwiches for dinner. Sometimes she cooks the food because her sister cooks
for her. She eats different kinds of food. She seldom eats fast food and she is going to
have a vacation some day.--Dieu
My partner's name is Sio Wan. She usually eats bread and drinks tea for her
breakfast. She eats rice for dinner. She wants to cook for herself but sometimes
she eats in a restaurant. She likes to eat the same food as in her native country,
but she also tries Italian food occasionally. She went to Hong Kong. She saw
many beautiful sights. She bought many things. Next time she will take a
vacation to Hawaii.--Sophy
My partner's name is Sophy. She usually drinks coffee and eats bread for
breakfast. She eats rice and meat for lunch and dinner. She cooks her
food by herself and she sometimes goes out to a restaurant. In her native
country she ate the same kind of food. She tried fried chicken and she
liked it. She even eats fast food in McDonald's when she is busy. On
vacation she took a trip to China. She saw beautiful sights and ate good-
tasting food. Next vacation she is going to China again.--Sio Wan
My partner's name is Vera. She likes bread for breakfast and lunch. She doesn't cook.
She likes noodles. Sometimes she likes McDonald's food. She likes Chinese food. She
would like to go to Canada.--Paulina
My partner's name is Paulina. She eats yoghurt, cereal and fruit for breakfast.
She eats salad for lunch and for dinner too. She usually doesn't like to eat meat,
so she used to eat salad in her country. She never eats "fast food" such as
McDonald's. She didn't have a vacation so she didn't have a trip. She doesn't
like vacations, so she wouldn't like to go somewhere in the future.--Vera

Interview 4
My partner's name is Julia. I am glad to know that she likes to eat

Chinese food because she is not a Chinese woman. She likes different
foods for her breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes she buys Chinese
food in a restaurant. She doesn't like to eat "fast food." She likes her
native country's foods. She wishes to go to Cuba in the future if she has a
vacation. She went to Palm Springs. They drove for 8 hours by
themselves to get there from here.--Zhao Ping
My partner's name is Zhao Ping. She is from China. She usually eats bread and fish
soup for breakfast. She likes to cook Chinese food. She never goes to restaurants.
Sometimes she eats fast food. She told me about her vacation in 2003. It was
interesting because she visited Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia by plane and train.
She had a good time. She went sightseeing and saw different cultures, museums,
zoos, and other places. It was a pleasure to meet her.--Julia
My partner's name is Michelle. She is from China. She came to San Francisco
four months ago. Usually for breakfast she has bread and milk and for lunch she
likes rice and meat or noodles. For dinner she almost always eats rice,
vegetables, chicken and soup. She cooks her food but sometimes her husband
cooks too. Every weekend she goes to a restaurant. She eats the same food
here that she ate in her country. She likes to try new foods like Korean food and
Popeye's Fried Chicken. She went to Japan and Thailand for a vacation and
saw some beautiful buildings. She went sightseeing around the cities. On her
next vacation she is going to go to Las Vegas.--Brenda
My partner's name is Lai Yee. She likes bread and milk or a big sandwich
for breakfast. She likes tea and drinks it 3 times a day. Usually she drinks
coca-cola and eats hamburgers. She likes vegetables and meat. Meat is
not good in her native country. She tried mushrooms in S.F. This is a new
food for her. She likes going to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It is a lot of
fun. Her son lives in Los Angeles. -- Luba
My partner's name is Maricel. She is from Costa Rica. Maricel usually eats chocolate
and a slice of bread with butter for breakfast. For lunch she makes rice, chicken, meat
and sometimes pasta, and for dinner she eats the same food. Sometimes her husband
cooks for her and sometimes she likes to eat in a restaurant. She eats the same food--
rice. She likes seafood very much. She eats "fast food" sometimes. She went to Costa
Rica and swam at a volcano. There are hot springs there. She went to visit her family.--
Laila

Interview 4
My partner's name is Laila. She is from Russia. She usually eats cereal for
breakfast, and for lunch and dinner she likes to eat soup and salad. Sometimes
she likes to go out for dinner. She tried sushi here and now she likes it. She
went to Turkey for her vacation and she likes the beaches very much. She
swam and she went shopping. She likes the place. Now she would like to go to
Italy.--Maricel
My partner's name is Claudio. He is from Brazil. He usually drinks coffee

for breakfast. He works at a restaurant so he can eat at the restaurant. He
said the food here is different from in his native country. He doesn't like
fast food. He didn't take a vacation because he came to S.F. last October
so he hasn't had a vacation yet. When he has a vacation, he will go to
Lake Tahoe and Hawaii.--Mina

San Francisco Surprises
I think San Francisco has very beautiful views, but that's true. My aunt said that when I
hadn't come here yet. San Francisco is colder than my country and everybody drives a
car, but in my country almost everybody rides motorcycles. If you have a lot of money,
you can buy a car, but it's expensive. There is a problem for me because I can find a
job in my country but not here. It requires me to get a license for my job. I don't like the
weather in San Francisco because it's always cold.--Dieu
Before I came to San Francisco, I knew the Golden Gate Bridge is a great
bridge, and the weather is very nice. It was my family that told me. I was
surprised here that every day at nighttime it is very quiet. In my country, daytime
and nighttime are very noisy. I like San Francisco's weather and the bus drivers
are very polite. I don't like San Francisco taxes. They are too high.--Lai Yee
Last year, when I lived in Japan, my husband lived in San Francisco

alone, so I heard a lot of things from him about it. He said, "It is very
expensive to rent an apartment." In Japan, we have to pay a lot of money
to rent an apartment too, but San Francisco is more expensive than
Japan. When I first came here, I was surprised that there are people from
many different countries here, for example Chinese, Mexican, Brazilian,
and so on. I like it here because people are very friendly and kind. But I
don't like the bathrooms here because the toilet and the bath are in the
same room, and most bathrooms have only a shower. Japanese love
baths and they think that it is important to spend a comfortable bathtime.
I knew about San Francisco's Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing.
Also I was surprised about the streets that go up and down like mountains. I like the
famous street, Lombard Street. It is very interesting. I visited Fisherman's Wharf. It's a
very nice place. There are a lot of stores, and also you can see sea lions and ride a
cable car. I don't like the traffic and I was surprised because there are a lot of
homeless people.--Gloria
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My friend told me about San Francisco before I came. I was surprised when I
saw big buildings. I like it here because all the time I need to talk in English. I
like to walk on the beach and watch the sunset so much.--Paulina
The streets are so quiet. The houses' shapes are so cute. The yards are
so wide. The people are so kind. The buses are so spacious and
comfortable. The prices are so high. The supermarkets are so far away.
The beach is so close to my house. The seagulls are all over the beach.
The pigeons and birds follow me while I walk on the street. The people
speak so fast and it's crazy. English is so difficult to learn! The weather is
so mild and I can wear the same clothes all year.--Vera
I saw many surprises in San Francisco. It's very nice in Fisherman's Wharf and this
city has cable cars. Downtown there are big buildings. The houses are in the Victorian
style and have big gardens. The weather is very good for my health. I like San
Francisco so much because my husband works here. He has a good job, and I think
everything is very nice.--Nantiya
Before I came to San Francisco, I didn't know many things about it. I only knew
about the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street because my husband sent
me pictures and he said to me, "When you come here you need to wear a jacket
all the time because here it is very cold for you." I was surprised the first day,
because I went to Oakland. I passed over the Bay Bridge. It is the longest bridge
I ever saw in all my life. I like everything about S.F. It's my second home, after
my country.--Maricel
Before I came here my husband told me in San Francisco everything is

very good. It is very beautiful. I thought it was so cool and so windy in my
first year. I thought it was very beautiful and quiet. I was very surprised
some people could wear thin clothes. I had to wear a thick jacket and a lot
of sweaters. I like the weather in the summer. I can see many more
flowers and it's not very cool. My children had a good education in San
Francisco.--King Fung
I knew about San Francisco before I came here. My husband's family told me
information about San Francisco and famous places, so I came here. I like it here
because there are many trees, nice weather, wide streets, the beautiful ocean, and it's
easy to find the addresses, but I don't like to buy something expensive and drive far
away to go shopping.--Wendy

I am from China. There are four seasons in China, spring, summer, fall and
winter. In China I can wear different clothes in different seasons, but here I can't.
I think there is one season in San Francisco, 365 days a year. I must wear the
same clothes. I was surprised to see two things in S.F. as follows:
1. The cats, dogs, and pigeons on the street are very fat. They are very
lovely when they are walking and finding their food on the street.
2. Many old people are limping. Sometimes I can also see the pigeons the
same as old people.--Zhao Ping
San Francisco is wonderful. I heard about it before I came here. It is on

the Pacific Ocean and it has beautiful beaches. I read a guidebook to get
an idea about it before coming, but what really surprised me was the
huge green mountains that I'd never seen before. Also the weather
surprised me. It is four seasons in one day. It's amazing.--Doaa
I see which people like San Francisco, but everything is expensive (renting an
apartment, clothes, etc.) and they come here for a job. My surprise about S.F. is the
people's life here, because you can go to the parks, on the beaches, and have more
freedom to do your things. Only San Francisco has the culture of many places of the
world inside it.--Cláudio
When I came here, I was surprised to see the big buildings. I didn't know that
San Francisco was like this, but now I know that San Francisco is very different
than my country. I like San Francisco because the weather is cool!! and the
people too. Also I like S.F. because the houses are around in the Bay Area.
Sometimes I don't like it here because the language is very difficult, and I have
to learn, but I like English. I just have to learn it.--Nancy

Food
Salvadorian people usually shop every weekend or once a month for food like rice,
beans, sugar, flour, coffee, salt, pasta, etc. For vegetables and poultry, some people
shop every day so it is all fresh.--Norma
I'm from China. In China, there are many kinds of food. We can buy almost
everything in the U.S.A, but some special food we can't, such as some local
food, especially tasty local food from North China, like fried dumplings, stewed
pork with bean sauce, and candied haw and haw jelly, etc. In the U.S.A., some
food is new for me, like tacos. It's Mexican food. I found out about it after I came
to the U.S.A. Another new food is bagels. In China, we first have a meal, then
we have soup. If you are hungry, you will first eat dim sum--like cakes and
cookies, but in the U.S.A. we usually first have soup, then the meal. The last
one is dessert.--Kevin
I'm from Vietnam. Usually, in my country, they eat rice and a little meat.
They like fish and vegetables. When they are eating, they use chopsticks
and they eat together. But in America, they eat just a little rice, always
meat, cheese, and butter. They don't know how to use chopsticks. They
use spoons. After I came here, I couldn't find some fresh fruit from my
country.--Cam
In China, you can see "McDonalds" and "Kutaki" fast food any place. This is similar to
America. In the U.S., I can't buy rabbit meat. Turkey is a new food for me. In my
country, I can't buy it in the supermarket. I usually used a pair of chopsticks to eat in
China, but now I changed my habit and use a fork to eat food.--Wei Hong

Food
I remember my first food in the USA. It was Mexican food. Suddenly I disliked it
because it was not original, you know? The taste and smell were lousy. My new
food is food from China, Russia, India, Vietnam and Japan. I like Indian food
because the taste is spicy. I dislike Russian and Chinese food because they are
fat. If you want Mexican food you have to go to Mexico and you can try bugs,
cactus and BBQ.--Rubén
I usually go to Chinese restaurants because I came from China, but here

there are some differences from my native country. Here I like the beef.
It's good at other places and there are more different kinds of fish, so I
love American food now.--Sam
In Brazil, people usually shop for staples like rice, beans, oil, etc. once a month, but
they also buy vegetables and fruits every week. In my native country, buying food,
vegetables, meat and fruits is not as expensive as it is here in San Francisco--Marlí
I like Korean food as well as Chinese food. Naturally, I like Japanese food the
best of all kinds of food. We eat raw fish, octopus and whale in Japan.
Furthermore, we drink soup directly from a bowl with a noisy sound. In addition,
we eat food sitting on the floor. These customs are very different from American
eating customs. In America, we can't buy octopus and whale meat. And we can't
buy thin sliced meat for sukiyaki in normal American grocery stores. In the USA,
we can find meat that is sold in big volume, and sweets, etc.--Shinji
I like Mexican, American, and Italian food. I tasted Chinese food, but I
don't like it. I think it is so sweet. I think American eating customs are
similar to Mexican ones. In Mexico, the people shop for food in
supermarkets and small stores. There are so many small stores. In my
town there are not so many restaurants, and they are smaller. I like San
Franciso because it has many kinds of restaurant foods to find, so I think
it is a great city.--Jorge
When I came to the USA, it was the first time I tasted Japanese and Mexican food. I
liked sushi and burritos, and tacos. Here there are a lot of restaurants from different
countries. In my country more people cook themselves because eating in restaurants
is very expensive. Here, eating in restaurants is cheaper. I like cooking at home for my
family. My husband and son like Russian pelmeni, borscht, and plov.--Svetlana

Food
There is a little bit of food from my native country that you can't find in San
Francisco. For example, in my country we have a kind of plant similar to spinach
we call mora. I didn't find that plant in San Francisco. Since I arrived in San
Francisco, I tried Chinese food, Italian food and Mexican food. I like American
food, Chinese food, Mexican food, and Italian food. I really dislike some kinds of
Chinese food. For example, some Chinese people eat rats, frogs, and snakes. I
never tried those animals but I don't want to try them.--Mirna
American food is different from my country. I don't like American food. I

love Guatemalan food. I can't find my favorite food here in S.F. In my
country they have lots of choices of food, tamales, rice with beans,
tortillas. My favorite food is from India.--Lucia
Besides Polish food, I also like seafood. People in Poland shop for food the same way
as people in the US. Eating in restaurants is different. People don't make noise.--
Mariusz
This is my first time in the United States, in San Francisco. To me, the food is
very different in the USA. I like cooking and I cook every day. Sometimes I go to
restaurants. In restaurants they have very good Chinese food. I like rice, fish
and vegetables. They have good salads and fruits. They have great food and a
great atmosphere. I like pasta. In this country, there is very good pasta. I can
buy everything here and I can cook, because I like that.--Ewa
Hi, I am from Ukraine! In my country people prefer to buy fresh food at the
farmer's market. They buy meat, eggs, fish and so on. This decision has a
good reason, because at the market, the food is fresher and cheaper than
at supermarkets. I am an old sailor and I like fish and seafood. In S.F. I
know a lot of good seafood restaurants. I like cooking at home too. I
prepare borscht, stew, fish, and a lot of other courses for my family and
friends at home.--Igor

San Francisco
I have been in San Francisco for a year. When I decided to come here I heard that the
weather was very cold, but I couldn't imagine how cold it is. In my country, Brazil, the
weather is very nice and hot except for June, July and August. That's winter time. I
love the sunshine and the hot weather. Now, I'm getting accustomed to the cold
weather and I love to stay here studying English and visiting different and exciting
places. San Francisco is beautiful, like my city San Paulo.--Marlí
I have been living in San Francisco for five months. When I came here, I was
surprised at the beautiful parks, houses, different kinds of restaurants and a lot
of people from other countries. Before I came, I knew the city was a good place
to live, but everything is too expensive. I like living here because I'm staying with
my brother, learning English and meeting new people. I like to go in the
restaurants and bars. I hope to study for a postgraduate degree here after I
learn good English.--Lis
I like San Francisco because it isn't a dangerous city, the streets are very
clean and the houses have gardens too. I love it too, because it has very
beautiful places to visit, like downtown, and Pier 39. It's wonderful. I think
the most interesting place in San Francisco for me is Alcatraz, because it
has an interesting history. I like that, and if a friend comes to visit me, I
think that I will take my friend to Alcatraz or downtown. Believe me, you
need to see San Francisco to know that I tell you the truth.--Yaressi
I came to San Francisco a few years ago. I like this city a lot. I know life here is very
expensive, but when you enjoy yourself you are happy. My favorite places are Golden
Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the zoo.--Rigoberto

San Francisco
I came here to San Francisco 4 years ago and when I came here what surprised
me was the big buildings downtown because in my country we don't have big
buildings, just small ones. I like to live in San Francisco because the weather is
great. For me, it's not too cold or hot. I really love this weather. My favorite
places are Golden Gate Park, the Embarcadero, and downtown. I would take
my friend who came to visit me from my country to these places because I really
love them. If I wanted to give advice to a person who wanted to move to San
Francisco, I would tell them the weather is great, the city is beautiful, and there
are so many places to go shopping, to go for a walk, and the principal thing is
there is a lot of work if you want to work.--Amelia
I have been living in San Francisco for three years. When I first came
here I was surprised that there were almost no mosquitos here, and the
air was fresh. But I don't like smelling dog shit and dog pee everywhere.
Even sometimes I smell it on the bus, and I often wait for the bus for a
long time. As for the weather, it made me comfortable at first, but I got
sick one time and another time. Now I'm used to it and I know how to treat
myself here.--Rena
I have lived in San Francisco for many years and I still enjoy the place. When I came
here the first thing that surprised me was the sun was bright until 8:00 or 9:00 because
in my country the sun is bright until 5:00 or 5:30 pm all year. The second thing is the
seasons of the year. There are four seasons, and in my country there are only 2
seasons. In summer (6 months) it is very hot, and in winter it is hot and a little cool.
The third thing is all the bridges, buildings in Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf--
Norma
Hello. I'm Rubén. I'm going to talk about myself since I arrived in San Francisco.
I remember when I came here I was surprised at the people because all of them
looked sad, even now too. My friends said San Francisco is the best city in the
USA because it's a big city and you can find whatever you want right away. I
disagree with them. I think all the places in San Francisco are boring.--Rubén
I came to San Francisco four months ago. I love San Francisco, including
the weather, the people, and the views. There are many buildings in S.F.
The buildings are very old and beautiful. The people are enthusiastic. The
Golden Gate Bridge is a famous view in S.F. On the first Wednesday of
each month the Zoo and the Botanical Garden are free for people. We
can enjoy the free views and free entertainment.--Grace

San Francisco
I have been living in San Francisco since 2003, and when I came the first thing that
surprised me was the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. The other thing that
surprised me was Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island because it is a famous place
and the weather is always cold. Also the four seasons because in my country we have
two, wintertime during 6 months and summer during 6 months too.--Mirna
I have been living in San Francisco for eight months. I was surprised at how
many Chinese-American people were living in San Francisco when I first came
here. San Francisco has many Chinatowns and it looks like China. Before I lived
here, I had been here once. Therefore I knew the Golden Gate Bridge. I like
living here because I can eat many kinds of delicious food such as Chinese,
Mexican, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese foods, etc, and because the climate
here is very stable. I will recommend living here to my friend. The reason why is
that San Francisco has many beautiful parks. I like Ocean Beach. I run and jog
there once or twice a week. In addition, I want to show them the Golden Gate
Bridge and Angel Island.--Shinji
Hi! My name is Felix. I have been living in San Francisco for a year. I love
it because it is a small city and really cosmopolitan. I like to visit Golden
Gate Park and buy all the CD's that I can at Amoeba Music. There's a
thing that I dislike--that's to pay rent! It's really expensive. When I arrived
here I felt terrible. It was too hard to get a job, but now I feel great.--Felix
I have been in S.F. for two months. When I first came here, Golden Gate Park
surprised me. Now downtown and Golden Gate Park are my favorite places in S.F.
When my frirend from Mongolia comes to visit me, I'll show her Golden Gate Park.
Now I don't know what is free and what is expensive--Mendbayar
I've been here in S.F. 9 years. When I came here to S.F. there were lots of
things that surprised me. I didn't know about the city before I came. I like it here
in S.F. because the weather changes. When I arrived here in S.F. the first day, I
missed my country. If my friends visited here in S.F. I'd show them the Golden
Gate Bridge or Ocean Beach.--Lucia
Hi people from San Francisco. My name is Mariusz. I'm from Poland and I
moved to S.F. over 4 years ago. The first surprise for me was gay people.
I never saw anything like that before. I like living in San Francisco
because it is a beautiful city. If a friend from my country came to visit me,
I would show him museums.--Mariusz

San Francisco
I have been in San Francisco for 2 years. When I came I was surprised about the city
and the bridges, but I didn't know about the homeless in the city. I like living in S.F.
because it's pretty and there are many opportunities for jobs. My favorite places in San
Francisco are the Beach, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, and many places. If someone
asked me about San Francisco I'd just have to say it's a great city.--Jorge
I have been here in San Francisco since 1998. San Francisco is a beautiful
place. My surprise was seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and walking on it. My
favorite place is Golden Gate Park. The places that are free are parks and
museums. My advice to someone who wants to move to San Francisco is the
rent is very expensive and there is too much traffic.-Antonio

Jobs
Write About Jobs
I'm a carpenter. I work for a construction company. I need to drive far to the South Bay
every day. Building houses is very hard and very dangerous, but it's very interesting
because not every house has the same design. If you finish the house, you must be
happy. I enjoy my job very much.--Sam
For me, the most interesting job is the one that I had in Brazil. For about 25
years, I worked as an assistant director in a bank, and for me, what was more
important was that I liked it and I knew how to do it. It was very easy for me and
I enjoyed it a lot. But, in order to get my job back, I need to study English
because this language is very important and necessary for this kind of job. The
most important thing for me is that I need to get a kind of job that I like and if I do
that, I'll be able to get more money.--Marlí
I am from China. I was a seamstress in my country. When I just came to

S.F. my mother helped me look for a job. The weather in my country was
hot in summer and very cold in winter, so it's very different in San
Francisco. In China it's common to start to work at sixteen and retire at
fifty.--Sue
In my country people had different kinds of jobs. For example, in the factory they start
to work at 7:00 am and end at 5:30 pm. In some places the age people usually start is
18 and they can retire at 65. People are interested in different kinds of jobs depending
on the education that they had.--Antonio
I have a job now in construction and I found this job because my friend told me
about it. I like this job but I don't like to wake up in the morning (at 7:00 am).
When I was a child I never thought about the future. I just lived in the present.
I'm not sure about when people start to work in my country but I think people
start between 18 and 20. I'm really not sure. In my country now there are many
opportunities for women and for men to get jobs.--Jorge

Jobs
I arrived in the USA one year ago, and now I still don't have a job. In
Russia, I was a history teacher. I liked to work with children. Together we
considered any questions and answers.--Konstantin
The first step for a job is not to follow the rules or pay a lot of attention to them. At
work, you should be happy with yourself and you'll be happy with all the people.--
Rubén
The jobs in San Francisco! If you can get one, of course it's never one you like. I
don't know anyone yet who likes his job. Here people work in the first job that
they find. We need to pay the rent and our bills, so if you are new in the city, you
hurry to get any job.--Felix
In China, I had many kinds of jobs. I think the most interesting job that I
had was becoming a clothes designer. But it was a pity I couldn't do that
until the end. I had no ideas. I became a doctor last and from that time my
life began to be serious. I had a gift for my doctor job. Now I came to San
Francisco. I don't have a license here. I can't be a doctor. But before I
came here, some people already knew about me, so they introduced me
to some patients that modern Western medicine can't treat well.--Rena
I think it's more important if you like your job because you can be content with yourself.
If you don't like your job but you make a lot of money, you can think "That is the
recompense." I think the interesting kind of jobs are every one that is concerned with
medicine because it's interesting to know about good health, and how to take care of
different kinds of diseases.--Mirna
I'm working here in S.F. My job is babysitter. It's hard to find a job in S.F. if you
don't speak English. The housecleaning jobs just need a little English. I never
worked in my country, I studied. When I was a child I wanted to be a nurse but
now I changed my mind. In my country you start to work around 16. People
keep working until they can retire. The jobs for men and women there are
different. S.F. and my country have lots of differences. It's more important to
make a lot of money because in SF it's too expensive. Any kind of job is okay for
me.--Lucia

Jobs
My name is Dennis. I come from Hong Kong and landed in San Francisco
five months ago. When I was a student, I expected I would have a nice
job as an accountant. Unfortunately, I was very lazy in my school life. Of
course it was not possible to get the job which I expected at eighteen
years old, so I got a job in a garment factory for seventeen years until I
arrived in the States. Luckily, I got a job related to my work in San
Francisco by reading a newspaper. I need money to support my daily life
but I will not give up achieving my goal.--Kin Ming
My job is very important to me. I'm babysitting. I care for three kids. They are very
wonderful. My job is very good for me. I like working with kids. I like playing with them.
I like spending time with them. In my country there is not very much work. Young
people finish studying, but they don't have a job. It's very hard to find a job. When I
finished my school, I decided to fly to the United States to find a job. I found a job and
I'm very happy, because I have a job and I travel, and I can spend time with children.--
Ewa
I have a job in Alameda, and I like it. I supervise the entire operation of building
and installing furniture. My company name is "Woodmasters," and I've been
doing this for over four years. In my country, I did a five-year internship with a
master woodworker at the Polish Technical Institute.--Mariusz
First, I don't want to talk about my jobs. I'm going to talk about the jobs in
my country. It's so hard to find one. There are a lot of companies, but it is
difficult. I don't know why. I think it is because all the companies want
people with careers, but not all the people have an education including
university, and some don't find jobs because they don't know English. It's
so hard to find a job, but when you get one, it's better to take care of it.--
Yaressi

Animals and the Environment
Write a Paragraph about Animals or the Environment.
I like animals like dogs and parrots. I have one dog and three parrots. Those are in my
country. I can't have them in S.F. because I live in a small house and the dogs need to
go out every day, and I don't have time. Americans treat pets differently than in my
country because they pay more attention to them. I go to the zoo every week because
I care for a girl and the zoo is fun for her and me. I like to watch giraffes, monkeys,
tigers, and elephants.--Norma
I think that Americans treat pets the same as people in my country. They go to
dog grooming salons with their animals like Americans. Often they have a dog
or cat in the house like Americans. However, I like pets but I never had one
because I don't have time to take care of one and in my country I lived in an
apartment on the fourteenth floor. But someday I want to get a small dog. I like
animals and I like to visit zoos but I never visited the San Francisco Zoo. I need
to go there some day. I think zoos help endangered species.--Lis
Before, in my country people liked to eat all animals because cooks had
many styles to cook them, but now people are saving endangered
animals and if you went to eat or catch them it is against the law and you
will get into trouble. If you like animals you can go to the zoo to visit them
and go to see the endangered species.--Sam
The environment is a big problem in China. Now China is becoming stronger and
stronger. At the same time, there are so many chemicals thrown away in the wrong
places. Although the leaders in China have realized that we must protect the
environment from pollution, there are still so many people who don't care about it. Now
there are some new laws about the environment being made in China, so I think the
environmental problem will not be a problem in China in the future. I hope my
homeland can become a very beautiful, very clean, very developed country.--Bo
In Mexico people treat pets with care but some people sell pets. I think zoos
help endangered species. In my country there is a big problem with the
environment. One problem is the smog from cars and factories.--Antonio
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I like animals but I hate to take care of them so I don't have any pets. I
want to talk about an environmental problem that we have in my country.
Actually, it is a big problem. It's the smog in Mexico City. We have had
this problem for a long time because the government and the people
aren't concerned about it. There are too many cars, old cars, too many
factories, and few green areas. I think this problem will kill my city.--Felix
I like animals very much. I like dogs much more. I have a cat in my country. His name
is Haydut (Bandit). He's about 11 months old. He is a very naughty cat. He likes eating
cake. I like to play with him. When I was in Turkey, Bandit slept with me. I miss him
very much.--Zeynep

Introductions
My partner's name is May. She is from China. She came to the United States in 1992.
She lives on 44th Avenue in the Sunset in San Francisco. The Sunset is a very
convenient place. Her neighborhood has a Walgreens store and a lot of Chinese
restaurants. Her favorite restaurant is Mayflower because the food is very good. She
doesn't have a job. She is a housewife. She has two children. She has a car. Her car is
a Toyota. Her hobby is watching TV. She usually watches TV in her native language,
Chinese. She doesn't like exercise.--Jenny
My partner's name is Xiao Li. She's from Chengdu, China. She came to the
United States in 1987. She lives in the Sunset. Her neighborhood has many
Chinese restaurants and one supermarket. My partner likes Chinese food very
much. She often eats Chinese food. She has a good job. She likes her job. She
drives to work every day. She likes to watch TV, but she likes to study English
so she speaks English very well. Sometimes she does exercises.--Kendy
My partner's name is Hak Jun. He lives on 16th and Geary. The stores in
his neighborhood are Safeway, KFC, Taco Bell. Restaurants are
McDonalds, Subway, KFC. His favorite restaurant is a Korean restaurant.
The Korean restaurant has his native kind of food. He came to San
Francisco on June 1, 2004. He is from South Korea. He doesn't have a
job. My partner doesn't have a car. He doesn't like to do exercises.--
Aleksandr
My partner's name is Susanna. She came from China ten years ago. Now she lives in
San Francisco. She lives with her family. She has a daughter. She likes Chinese food
and she likes to do exercises. She likes shopping and walking in her spare time. She
doesn't have a job now.--Shuzhen (Audrey)
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Introductions
My partner's name is Jenny. She lives in the Richmond. Her neighborhood has
many many Chinese stores and Chinese restaurants. She likes Chinese
restaurants.--May Su
My name is Andy Chen. I live in the Sunset. There is a seven eleven

store and Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood. It will be good for me
because I am so lazy. I don't like to eat out too far or buy anything where I
have to walk a long way. So I am very happy to live here because my
favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. It's in my neighborhood.
Everybody knows Chinese food is very delicious. I think so, so I like it. I
came to San Francisco a short time ago, just nine months. I am from
China and I have a job now. I like to work there. My company is
McDonald's. I like the food so much, so I like it. I don't have a car. I want
to have a car, but I think it will be a little difficult because it is very
expensive for me. I have to make a lot of money.--Andy
My partner's name is Julia. She's from Peru. She lives in the Richmond District. She
came to San Francisco eleven years ago. She likes to sew in her spare time and
watch TV too. Julia is glad to listen to romantic music and dance music. When Julia
goes to eat out, she likes Chinese food. Julia drives her car to school. She goes to
church every Sunday. Julia is a very nice person and is Peruvian like I am.--Carmen
My partner's name is Elizabeth. She lives in the Sunset in San Francisco. There
are some stores in her neighborhood. There are Chinese restaurants,
Vietnamese restaurants and Thai restaurants. Her favorite is Thai food because
it is very good, for example, beef noodles, and chicken rice. She came to San
Francisco in June, 2004. She is from Mexico. Her hobbies are reading books
and watching TV.--Bing Liang
My partner's name is Carmen. She lives in the Richmond District. She is

from Peru. She has been in San Francisco for three years. She likes
Japanese food, especially sushi rolls, etc. Every Sunday she goes to the
Catholic church. In her spare time she likes computer games, etc. Her
hobby is listening to music, songs, and lifting weights. Carmen is very
kind and sweet.--Julia
My partner's name is Natalie. She is from Thailand. She lives on Geary. She likes
Chinese restaurants. She has been in San Francisco for one year. She has a car. She
doesn't have any hobbies. She likes to watch TV.--Vera

Introductions
My partner's name is Zong Ping. She came from Sichuan, China. She lives in
the Sunset. There are a lot of Chinese restaurants in her neighborhood. She
likes Chinese food very much. She doesn't have a job. She likes to ride a
bicycle because she doesn't have a car. She likes San Francisco very much.--
XiaoLi
My partner's name is Jorge. He lives in San Francisco. His favorite

restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. He likes Chinese food. He's from
Mexico. He doesn't work. He doesn't have a car. He doesn't like to
exercise because he's sick.--Hak Sun (Sunny)
My partner's name is Sunny. She likes to play games on the computer. She has one
brother. She lives with her family here in San Francisco. She doesn't have a car. She
is a funny person and is very beautiful.--Jorge
My partner's name is Bing. He lives in the Sunset District on 23rd Avenue. In his
neighborhood there are many stores like Walgreens, produce stores, etc. In his
neighborhood there are many restaurants too and they have many kinds of food,
like Chinese food, Vietnamese Food, Mexican food, etc. but his favorite
restaurant has Chinese food. He likes this restaurant because he is from China
and the food is good. He came to San Francisco in 2001. He doesn't have a job
because he is retired in his country, China. He spends his time planting flowers
and getting news from China.--Bing Liang
My partner's name is Vai Vong. She is from Macao. She lives on Santiago
Street in the Sunset. Her neighborhood has stores, a supermarket,
Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and Vietnamese restaurant.
She likes Chinese food and Japanese food. She came to the U.S. in
1995. She has two daughters. She doesn't have a job. She stays home to
take care of the children. She has a car. Her car is a Toyota. She likes to
walk sometimes. She walked to the beach and Golden Gate Park. She
likes to watch TV. She likes to watch Chinese language TV.--Doris
My partner's name is Doris Liu. She lives in the Sunset on 43rd Avenue. Her
neighborhood has many stores. Her neighborhood restaurants are a Chinese
restaurant, Korean restaurant, American restaurant and Japanese restaurant. Her
favorite restaurant is a Japanese restaurant and Chinese restaurant. She came to San
Francisco for the first time in 1986, and the second time in 2003. She is from China.
She has a job now. She likes the job. She is a doctor. She has a car. It is a Japanese
car. She likes to go to the park and the beach. She doesn't watch TV.--Vai Vong

Introductions
My partner's name is A.K. He lives in the Richmond, in San Francisco. There

are some Chinese food stores and restaurants, but he doesn't like Chinese food
and restaurants. He loves seafood and Japanese food. He came to San
Francisco just two months ago. He's from China. He doesn't have a job. He
studies English in City College of San Francisco, John Adams campus. He's
single. He doesn't have a car. He likes to exercise. He likes to play basketball.
He doesn't like to watch TV. He likes computers.--Hao Bo
My partner's name is Bo. He lives in the Sunset on 19th Avenue. There

are many stores and some Chinese restaurants and stores in his
neighborhood. His favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. For
Chinese food, he likes seafood but he doesn't like hot food. He came to
San Francisco about two years ago. He's a Chinese guy. Now, he doesn't
have a job or car in San Francisco. He has a son, just five years old. He
likes to play tennis twice a week, and he likes to watch Chinese news, but
not English TV.--A.K.
My partner's name is Teresa. She came from Peru. She came to the USA two years
ago. Now she's living on Richland Ave. Her neighborhood stores are Chinese. She
likes Thai food. Her favorite restaurant is a Thai restaurant. Now she doesn't have a
job. She wants to study. She doesn't have a car. She likes to run and watch TV in her
spare time. She watches TV in her native language, Spanish. She likes to do exercise
and dance.--Lkhagva
My partner's name is Lkhagva. She is from Mongolia. She lives on Geary Street
and her neighborhood has many restaurants and stores. Her favorite restaurant
is Olive Garden, and her favorite food is ravioli. She came to San Francisco four
months ago. She works in the restaurant. She is a waitress. She doesn't have a
car, and in her free time she likes to do exercises. She watches TV in English.--
Teresa Cortez
My partner's name is Maria. Maria is a young girl. She came from Mexico.
She likes San Francisco. She lives with her son. She likes Mexican food
and Chinese food. Her hobby is watching TV.--Ci Dian He
My partner's name is Vera. She lives on 46th Avenue in the Sunset. Her neighborhood
store is Safeway. Her favorite restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant. She likes noodle
soup. She came to San Francisco only two months ago. She's from China. She
doesn't have a job or a car. If she has spare time, she listens to music. She doesn't
like to watch TV. I hope she has a good life. Thank you for telling me about yourself.--
Natalie

Introductions
My partner's name is Ci Dian He. He came to the USA in 1992. He is from

China, and he has a wife and two sons. He loves Chinese food, but he doesn't
have a favorite restaurant. He doesn't have a job now. He has only one hobby.
He likes to play ping-pong. He has a car which is a Nissan. He likes to exercise
and watch TV. He wants to go to Mexico because he thinks it is beautiful.--Maria
My partner's name is Minh. He is from Vietnam. He came to San

Francisco in June, 2003. He likes Vietnamese food. He doesn't have a job
yet. In his spare time he likes to play games. He likes to exercise, but he
doesn't like to watch TV. He's very nice.--Tracy
My partner's name is Chen. She lives in Chinatown. Her neighborhood stores are
many stores. She came to San Francisco in 2004. She's from China. She doesn't have
a job now. She's a student. She doesn't have a car. She likes to read books in her
spare time. Also, she likes to watch TV. Her favorite restaurant is a Chinese restaurant
because it's so hot. Her hobbies are reading books and playing games on the
computer. She likes to exercise too.--Minh Nguyen
My partner lives in the Chinatown area. His neighborhood has a grocery store
and a Chinese restaurant. His favorite restaurant is an American restaurant. He
likes a sandwich and the soup. They have American food and Chinese food too.
He came to San Francisco last year. He's from China. He got a job already. He
likes his job. He's a doctor. He has a car. It's a Honda. He likes to go to the park
in his spare time. His hobby is dancing. He doesn't like to exercise because he's
lazy. He likes to watch TV in his native language.--Hong hui Zhu
My partner's name is Audrey. She lives in the Sunset. Her neighborhood

has many supermarkets, Chinese restaurants and Japanese restaurants.
Audrey likes Japanese food. Her favorite food is sushi. Audrey has a new
car. She likes to exercise, sing and dance. She likes to watch TV in
English because she likes to learn more English.--Susanna

Jobs
Write About Jobs
My name is Xiao. I came from China. I was an accountant in China. I worked there for
more than ten years. That was a good job, but when I came to the U.S.A., my English
was not good. I couldn't look for a good job as an accountant. I just found a job in the
California State Department of General Services. So right now I want to study more
English to change to a good job.--Xiao Li
My name is Jenny Cao. I'm from China. I don't have a job in San Francisco. I
want to have a good job in the future. I am a student. I want to learn better
English. I was a beautician in China. My customers were usually women. I think
beauticians are only women. In China, there aren't any men who do this job. I
like the job of beautician.--Jenny
When I came to San Francisco in 1992, getting a job was difficult. I

looked for a job in the newspaper for a long time. At last I got a job in a
furniture store, but the job was very hard. In my country I was an
electrician. I liked the job, but it didn't pay too much money.--Ci Dian.
I was an art teacher. I like a job in art. Now, I am a business reporter for the China
Press. I feel my job is very interesting. I think a job in the arts or as a business reporter
are all good jobs. In Hong Kong, jobs for women are different than jobs for men.--
Keihung
I don't have a job now because I am a newcomer. I speak English poorly. I think
I can't look for a good job. I was a teacher in China but I don't know what I can
do in S.F. I need my teacher and my classmates to help me. What jobs are right
for me? Would you tell me? Thank you!--Yue Hua Ding
I worked in my country (Taiwan) as a file clerk. I think in my country it was

much easier to work than in San Francisco. Jobs were not like here, very
hard and difficult. I retired from my job and came here to San Francisco,
but my language is still not good. So, I want to learn more English for my
retirement.--Amy

Jobs
Now I don't have a job, but I am looking for one. I talked to my friend and looked in the
newspaper, so I hope to find one. In my country I had a job. I worked in the Product
Marine factory. I was in quality control. That job was so hard because I stayed busy all
day. I think a good job is a lawyer because you make good money, and a bad job is a
janitor, because you have to work hard. In my country, jobs for men and women are
the same.--Teresa
I'm an acupuncturist. I have an acupuncture license. I worked in my office for

about 4 years before I went back to my country. I worked at a hospital for about
20 years. I came to the U.S. for the first time in 1987, but in 1992 I came back to
my country for 11 years. I worked in my sister's company's Beijing office. I came
to the U.S. last year. I opened my office. I like my job, because I make some
people happy. Being a doctor is a good job in my country. The U.S. is the same
too.--Doris
I am an otorhinolaryngologist, or ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat) in my

country. I like my job a lot because my job gives me much satisfaction.
Now in this country I don't have a job because I need a license, and I
need very good English. I'd have to take 7 to 9 tests about medicine and
then I'd get it in about 5 years but I'm only going to stay here for 1 year.
On Tuesday and Wednesday I go to UCSF Hospital to get practice about
ENT and I like my profession a lot.--Elizabeth
I was a manager in my country. I worked at a hotel, but now I don't have a job. I must
study English. I am hardworking. I want to study English for two years in this school. I
want a good job. I'll become a banker or a postal worker.--Kendy
My name is May. I had a job in my country. I worked in a department store. I

was a salesgirl. I like this job.--May
Before I came to the U.S., I worked in Canton, China. My job was in I.T.
(Information Technology). I worked with computers and the Internet. I love
this job, but now I am studying English as a second language in the USA.
I love computers, so I want to get a job in I.T. This is a good job. I don't
work in bad jobs like waiter or cleaner. Those are hard jobs. In China,
they usually give the hard jobs to guys to do and they give the easy jobs
to women to do. But in the U.S. men and women always work the same
jobs so I like the USA!--AK

Jobs
I like the job of mechanic for my future, so I have to learn more English and go to
college to take the mechanic classes to study it. I think men's jobs are in business or
construction, and women's jobs are like designers and teachers. In my opinion, a bad
job is like cleaning a hotel or something like that.--HZ
Now I don't have a job in San Francisco. I think if we have a good job, we must
speak very good English. In the USA, English is the native language. All of the
people talk or use Engish, so I think if your English isn't good, your job won't be
good. We need to study English so that we can look for a good job.--Hao
Job! Job! Job! Many people want to find a job, and me too. I find it's very
difficult to find a good job as a newcomer. I have tried to find a job in
newspapers and with friends, but none of them fit me because my English
is not good or I don't have a car, and so on. Anyway, I must try my best to
find a job to make a living.--Yu Sheng
I don't have a job in S.F because I am retired. In my country I worked in science and
research in the Marine Shipbuilding Institute for the last 20 years. Before that I taught
mathematicas for students in high school.--Alexander
Jobs in San Francisco now are very difficult to find. I think the war is the cause.
The best jobs are: teachers, doctors, and nurses, for both men and women in
my opinion. Some people can look for a job in San Francisco through
newspapers, agencies, churches, friends, computers, etc. I had a job in my
country as a lab technician for twenty years.--Julia
In San Francisco, I'm retired. In my country I had a job. I was an

accountant. Jobs for men and jobs for women in my country and in the U.
S. are the same.--Raisa
My name is Tracy. I am studying English in John Adams. I don't have a job now,
because I want to go to a university. In my country I didn't have a job either. I was a
student in my country. When I was in Grade 11, I came to S.F. with my family. In the
future, I want to get a job which has good pay and good hours.--Tracy
I don't have a job in San Francisco because my husband is a student at U.C.

Berkeley. I can't work but I have a job in Japan. My husband's family runs a
hotel. If I go back to Japan I will help my husband. I love San Francisco but I will
be pleased to go back to Japan.--Emi

Jobs
My name is Minh Nguyen. I came to S.F. in 2003 and I don't have a job
now. In my country I had a job. I was a lieutenant with two stars. Now I'm
studying at John Adams. I want to study English only because I need to
learn about English. I like to live in S.F.--Minh
I don't have a job now, but I'd like a job. In Mexico the jobs are different than in San
Francisco. In my country some women work but many women only stay at home. I
think all jobs are good because all the jobs give money.--Maria R.
I have a job in this city. I work at a liquor store but it's a hard job for me because
before I came here I worked in the Ministry of Education. That was a good job.
But I like to work with tourists.--Zaher
I don't have a job in San Francisco because I am a student. I want to get

part-time work so I can spend half my time working and half my time
studying. I worked in my country. I worked in a store. In my country I was
a businessman.--Sintayehu
I don't have a job in S.F. I am looking for a job in S.F. I was a taxi driver in my
country. My job was very interesting. I liked my job. I want to be a taxi driver in S.
F. too, but I don't know the city and my English is not good enough for a job
either. I think driving a taxi is a good job for me.--Manuchar
I don't have a job now. I want one but it is difficult because I can't speak Cantonese (a
kind of Chinese dialect) and only have very limited English. Before I came to the USA,
I was a manager of an exhibition company in China. That was a very good job both in
China and in the USA, but I can't find a job like that. I'd like to do anything in the USA,
but there has still been no job opportunity since I came here eight months ago.--Kevin

Interview 2
My partner's name is Julia. She lives on Balboa. She likes her house because it's quiet
and safe. She has a garage and closets in her house. She watches cable TV. She
likes her neighborhood because it's very convenient. She came to San Francisco in
1993. She likes San Francisco because there are many trees and flowers. Her favorite
place is Fisherman's Wharf because it's beautiful and cool.--Sunny
My partner's name is Jason. He lives on Filbert Street. He likes his house

because his house is very big. It has a garage, washing machine, backyard,
closets, and cable TV. He doesn't like his neighborhood because it's noisy. He
came to San Francisco on 4/25/2004. He likes S.F. because he likes the
ocean.--Yan Hong
My partner's name is Aleksandr. He lives on Webster St. He lives in an

apartment. He doesn't like his apartment because it has a low ceiling. It
has a washing machine, dryer, backyard, and cable TV. He likes his
neighborhood because it is very convenient and very quiet. He came to S.
F. 2 years ago. He likes S.F. because it has a very good climate. His
favorite places are Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.--A.K.
My partner's name is Lkhagva. She comes from Mongolia. She has been living in San
Francisco for about 5 months. She and her sister live in an apartment on 9th Avenue.
It is a very convenient place. They like it very much because it is so quiet and safe and
there are some different restaurants near there. She likes San Francisco because the
weather is not very cold and not very hot and the people are very nice.--Zhong Zi (Jay)
My partner's name is Jay Yee. He is from South China. He came here five years
ago. He likes San Francisco because he likes San Francisco's weather. Before
he was living in Guang Zhou. Guang Zhou is very hot so he didn't like it. Now he
is living in the Sunset District on 29th Avenue. He is living in a house. He likes
his house. His house has a garage, washing machine, dryer, backyard,
basement, closets, and cable TV. He likes his neighborhood--Lkhagva

Interview 2
My partner's name is Sunny. She is from Korea. She has been in the U.S.
A. for 3 months. She lives in San Francisco on Clement Street. She likes
the neighborhood. It's a convenient place. There are many stores,
restaurants, etc. but she doesn't like the area around her apartment
because it is very noisy and crowded. She doesn't like San Francisco
because it is too cold. Her favorite place is Fisherman's Wharf.--Julia
My partner's name is Tracy. She came to San Francisco only a few months ago. She
lives with her family in the Richmond District. They rent a flat in this place. It's very
convenient. There are so many stores and restaurants and also their neighborhood is
very quiet. She likes San Francisco weather and Chinatown because there is a lot of
Chinese food and Chinese culture.--Xiao Li
My partner's name is Emi. She came to San Francisco 1 year ago. She lives on
6th Avenue and Irving in San Francisco. She likes her house because it is clean
and quiet. She likes San Francisco because every place is beautiful here.--Bing
My partner's name is Bing. Bing lives in the Richmond District. Bing has a
small house. Bing likes that one. That house has a basement. Bing is
happy because he has two grandchildren. He came to San Francisco 3
years ago with his wife because his daughter got married in S.F. He likes
the Golden Gate Bridge. He said the Golden Gate Bridge is very
beautiful.--Emi
My partner's name is Jason. He lives on Palou Ave. His father has a house. The house
is big. He likes the house because the house is beautiful and he lives in a big room. He
came to San Francisco in 2003. He is a young boy. He studies in City College. He
likes San Francisco because he doesn't speak English very well and sometimes he
can speak Cantonese in the market. His favorite place is Chinatown.--Ci Dian
My partner's name is Linda. She lives in the Sunset District. She lives in a big
house. She came to S.F. in 1989. It was a long time ago. Her house has
everything. She likes her neighborhood. It's a residential area. She likes S.F.
very much. Her favorite place is Golden Gate Park. I think she has a good life,
but now she's unemployed. It's okay because she can take the time to learn
more English to find a better job.--Natalie

Interview 2
My partner's name is Soad. She's from Kuwait. She lives in the Sunset.
She likes her house very much. She thinks the Sunset is a convenient
place. The neighborhood's very nice. She came to San Francisco in 2001.
She likes the climate of San Francisco because here it is not very hot or
cold. The climate is very good. She thinks people live in San Francisco
because they usually like the climate of San Francisco. She enjoys living
in San Francisco--Jenny
My partner's name is Daniel Cheung. He lives in San Francisco in the Sunset District
on 16th Avenue. He has a house. The house has a garage, washing machine, closets
and cable TV. He likes his neighborhood. He says the Sunset District is very quiet and
convenient. He says he likes S.F. very much because S.F. is a beautiful city. --Keihung
My partner's name is George. He comes from Mexico. He lives in San

Francisco, Alamo Square. He likes San Francisco because the weather is nice
and the city is beautiful. He lives in an apartment. He doesn't like his neighbors
because they are noisy.--Susanna
My partner's name is Yue Hua. She's from China. She came to San
Francisco three weeks ago and lives here with her family in a flat in the
Richmond District. She's glad to be in her neighborhood because it is a
convenient and very nice place. Yue Hua has spent little time in San
Francisco and for this reason doesn't know many places, but of course
she visited Chinatown and told me that she likes the weather very much.--
Carmen
My partner's name is Carmen. She lives in the Richmond District of San Francisco.
She likes her apartment because it has a big garage and washing machine. She likes
her neighborhood because her neighbors are very kind to her. She came to San
Francisco in 2001. She likes San Francisco. The city has different people of the world,
different countries, and different skin colors. It's interesting. Carmen likes the museums
and Golden Gate Park of San Francisco.--Yue Hua
My partner's name is Elizabeth. She is from Mexico. She lives in the Sunset.
She lives in an apartment on 9th Avenue. She likes her apartment. She hates
hard work in the backyard. She has a son. He's 3 years old. Her apartment has
a dishwasher and closets. It doesn't have a washing machine, dryer, backyard,
attic, or cable TV. She likes her neighborhood because it's convenient. There
are many many restaurants, a lot of stores, and a lot of buses too. It's safe, but
it's noisy. She came to S.F. about seven months ago. She likes S.F. She likes
the weather. She likes the beautiful city and she likes that the city doesn't have
a lot of people.--Doris

Interview 2
My partner's name is Jenny. She lives in a flat. She likes her house. Her
house has a garage but she shares the garage. Jenny has a washing
machine, dryer, dishwasher, and shares a backyard. She doesn't have a
basement or attic. I'm sure she has closets and cable TV. She likes her
neighborhood. Her neighbors are quiet but sometimes they make noise,
but it is convenient and safe. Oh, I forgot to tell you where she lives.
Jenny lives in the Richmond on 22nd Avenue. She likes San Francisco.
She's happy in this area. She said everything is good in San Francisco.--
Soad
My partner's name is Raisa. She is from Ukraine. She came to the United States in
1997. She lives on California Street. She lives in an apartment. She likes her
neighborhood. It is quiet and very safe there. She doesn't have a job. Now she studies
English at John Adams. She likes San Francisco very much. She like the weather. The
winter is not cold, the summer is not hot and she likes Golden Gate Park and the
Golden Gate Bridge.--Kendy
My partner's name is Kendy. She is from China. She lives in San Francisco, in
the Sunset. She lives in a house with her family. She likes her house. In her
house there is a washing machine, dryer, basement, and cable TV. The street
where Kendy lives is quiet. She came to San Francisco in 2003. She likes the
good weather in San Francisco. Her favorite places in San FRansisco are
Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.--Raisa
My partner's name is Doris. She lives in the Sunset District in a big house.
It has a backyard, basement, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.
Her neighborhood is very convenient. It's quiet, safe, and the bus stop is
very near. She came to San Francisco two times. The last time was in
2003. She thinks the San Francisco weather is warm and she likes it, and
the city is beautiful.--Elizabeth
My partner's name is Xiao Li. She lives in the Sunset. She likes her house. She likes
her neighborhood too because it is very convenient. She came here in 1990. She likes
San Francisco because the weather is not too hot or too cold. The Sunset is her
favorite place in San Francisco.--Tracy
My partner's name is Gabriel. He lives in the Sunset in San Francisco. He likes

his house, because it has a washing machine, dryer, and backyard. He likes his
neighborhood because it's quiet and convenient. He came to San Francisco on
August 11, 2004. He likes San Francisco because the weather is good and
some food is delicious.--Duc

Interview 2
My partner's name is Susanna. She lives in San Francisco. She is

married. She has one daughter. She lives in a house. She has one car.
She has been living in San Francisco for 10 years. She has 2 brothers
and 1 sister.--George
My partner's name is Minh. He came from Vietnam in 2004. Now he lives in San
Francisco on Masonic Stret, Apt. No. 120. He likes his house. He likes San Francisco
because San Francisco is a beautiful city. My partner's favorite place is especially
Ocean Beach.--Sintayehu
My partner's name is Kevin. He lives in San Francisco. He lives in a house. He

came to S.F. this year. He loves S.F. because his neighborhood is good and
very convenient. He lives in the Sunset. There are some Chinese stores and
supermarkets. It is very quiet and there isn't a lot of traffic. He feels safe.--Hao
My partner's name is Hao Bo. He lives in the Sunset. He likes his house
because it's convenient and safe. He thinks the prices in San Francisco
are reasonable except for houses. He moved here a few months ago. His
house is near a church.--Kevin
My partner's name is Sintayehu. He lives on Laguna Honda St. He likes to live in an

apartment because it's very convenient. His neighborhood is quiet and safe. He came
to the U.S. in 2004. He likes the weather in San Franicsco because it's cold and warm.
His favorite place is Ocean Beach, because he likes to swim and walk on the beach.
That's about my classmate. He's very funny.--Minh.

Shopping
I like to go shopping. That's my favorite thing. Sometimes if I've got free time I like to
go because there are so many different kinds of stuff there. Every week I go to Costco.
I want to buy eggs, rice, milk, water, and a lot. Sometimes I want to buy clothes,
handbags, or shirts. Everything is interesting.--Xiao Li
I like to shop, but I don't usually, because my husband likes to shop very much.
He always shops for groceries. If I need something, I go by myself to the
Safeway because it is near my house. Sometimes I buy clothes in Ross or go
windowshopping at Stonestown and enjoy looking around. In my country, when I
go shopping I can not use a credit card. Sometimes I can bargain with the
owner.--Amy
Hmm, talk about shopping, comparing my country and San Francisco. It

is almost the same, but in my country it is easier and more convenient to
buy some fast food. Here you should go to the store, but in my country it
is a little different. I can buy some food on the street. It's very easy. In San
Francisco I usually shop in Chinatown because everything is cheaper
than other stores, but it takes a long time. For me it is ok when I have a
day off I have time to shop in Chinatown. If I don't have time, I go shop
other places.--Natalie
I like to go shopping. I like to shop for clothes with friends of mine. We go to Macy's,
Gap, and many stores. We usually get a good idea to choose the best. We have a lot
of fun. I like to shop with my friends.--Susanna
I like to shop, but I just like to go to clothes stores. I hate to buy food, but I must
go shopping to buy a lot of food because I need to cook for my family. In San
Francisco the milk and vegetables are cheap. In my country they're not cheap.--
Yan Hong
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~lfried/writing/shopping.html (1 of 6)17.10.2007 19:15:00

Shopping
My name is Kendy. In my country and in San Francisco, I like to shop

very much. I like to shop for clothes. I like different clothes, so sometimes
my husband and I go windowshopping. I usually shop at Stonestown or
Ross because they are near my house and cheap. I sometimes shop
using a credit card. I like to shop, but I don't like to shop for food because
I don't like to cook. My house is far from a grocery store. I don't have a
car, so I must walk eight blocks to shop for food every weekend because
my husband is very busy and he doesn't have time to help me. I'm tired
every Saturday morning.--Kendy
I like to go shopping. In San Francisco I like to go to Chinese supermarkets to buy

some vegetables, some fruit, and some seafood. I usually buy clothes if they are on
sale. I visited my country. In China, the clothes are cheaper than in the U.S.A. so I like
to go shopping in China. I bought a lot of clothes in my country. I like to go shopping at
garage sales. I bought five bookcases at garage sales. I never buy used clothes. I like
credit cards. If I buy something for the office I always take a credit card. I like farmers'
markets. I usually go to the farmers' market to buy food because that food is fresh.--
Doris
I don't like shopping very much because I don't want to spend time shopping. I
usually don't want to go windowshopping. If I need to buy clothes I look around
and I choose the better one. I buy something and then leave so I don't spend
too much time shopping. Usually my mother shops for groceries. I only
sometimes shop for groceries. I usually buy them in the supermarket.--Jenny
I don't usually go shopping because I don't have too much money, but I
have a family so I usually go to a Chinese supermarket to buy some
seafood, beef, fruit, and other things. I don't like garage sales or buying
used clothes. When I go back to China, I usually buy many clothes
because the clothes are beautiful and cheaper.--Ci Dian
My partners' names are Amy and Natalie. Amy usually shops for groceries in Safeway.
She likes to buy her clothes at Ross and Macy's. Her favorite store is Macy's because
she buys clothes for her son there. She likes to shop at garage sales. She buys tables
and chairs. Sometimes she buys things on the Internet. Natalie likes to shop for
groceries in Chinatown. Sometimes she uses her credit card. She doesn't have
Internet.--Jorge

Shopping
I don't like to shop, but sometimes you have to go shopping because you need
food or clothes, for example milk, rice or corn oil and shoes or ties. I like to go
windowshopping for clothes. I think it's relaxing so I usually go windowshopping
with my friends. I usually shop for groceries at Cala Food. I never go shopping
at garage sales. I am a newcomer. This is the first time I heard about garage
sales. Garage sales are different from in my native city. I never buy used clothes
because in my native city, there aren't used clothes for sale.--Yue Hua
Shopping is a good thing for me. I like shopping very much, but I don't
have enough money so I like to go windowshopping with my friends.
Maybe going shopping will waste a lot of time, but I will feel very happy
when I see the interesting things of any type, any size, and any color. I
think shopping is also exercise because I walk.--Yu Sheng
I am very interested in shopping, especially for clothes. Sometimes I'm satisfied and
sometimes I'm not because I don't get my favorite clothes. Sometimes the price is
expensive. My country is my favorite place to shop. In that place everything is okay
because on the whole it is very cheap. You can get any material. It comes from
America, China, Dubai, and from many directions. This is one reason it's cheap and
why I like shopping.--Sintayehu
I love shopping. Every Sunday I go to Stonestown with my youngest daughter.

We look for clothes, especially at Macy's, Gap, Bebe, Nordstrom, etc. These
stores always have sales. After that we go to McDonald's for a snack and
beverage. I use a credit card. I rarely shop on the Internet. Sometimes I buy
something at Goodwill because it's convenient for me.--Julia
I think many people like to go shopping, especially women. As for me, I

love it. Yesterday I bought some vegetables for one week. My son's
birthday is coming and I want to buy some clothes for him (Spiderman). I
don't like to buy used clothes for me, but sometimes I like used clothes for
my kids because if it is lost I don't care. I like to buy makeup and anything
good for women.--Soad
I like to go shopping, but sometimes I don't like it. I usually shop for groceries on
Clement Street, at Albertson's and Cala Foods. When I buy my favorite clothes, I like
every store, but some stores don't have my favorite fashion clothes. I never buy used
clothes because I don't like old clothes. I didn't go to a garage sale because I don't like
used things. I don't like windowshopping. I don't have a credit card so I didn't use one.
I didn't shop on the Internet. In my native city, everything is very nice.--Lkhagvasuren

Shopping
I usually go to Andronico's for food. That shop has good quality food and is very
convenient. It's near my house and the parking lot is big. I don't like it when I
can't find a parking space and also the grocery clerk is very kind. One day I
couldn't find Japanese radishes. I asked the grocery clerk. He was kind and
showed me. He and I have been friends since then.--Emi
I don't like to go shopping, because it wastes my time, but I need to go

shopping to buy daily necessities. When I shop, I prefer to go to
Chinatown because there are a lot of Chinese people. I can speak
Chinese to them. I never go to garage sales because in my country there
aren't any garage sales. Shopping in San Francisco is a little different
compared to my native city. In my native city, the things are all sold retail,
but here people like wholesale.--Tracy
I usually go shopping in a Chinese supermarket because I need to take care of my

family. Every day I go to buy food. Every weekend I go to swim with my children and
then take them to Chinese school. I don't like to go windowshopping and my children
don't either.--May
Every weekend I go to shop at the free market because the fruits and
vegetables are fresh. Sometimes I go to buy clothes in Mervyn's because the
clothes are very cheap. I like to go to garage sales, but only to look because
there are interesting things. I never buy anything.--Teresa
I don't like to shop. I rarely go windowshopping, but sometimes I go to

shop with my wife at Macy's or Mervyn's on Saturday and Sunday to buy
clothes or to a supermarket to buy food. I never used a credit card or
bought something on the Internet. I always pay cash when I buy
something.--Keihung
Hello, my name is Jason. I seldom go shopping because I don't like to shop in S.F. If I
take the bus shopping it takes too much time. It takes about 40 minutes to go to
Chinatown, so I hate it, but my friend usually calls me to go shopping in Chinatown --
Jason.
I don't like to shop. I usually shop for groceries at Safeway and Trader Joe's. I
usually shop for clothes at Goodwill and sometimes at Mervyn's. I don't like to
go windowshopping. I sometimes use a credit card. I never shop on the Internet,
because I don't have a computer. In my native city there aren't any garage sales
or shopes similar to Goodwill.--Aleksandr

Shopping
I like shopping for clothes in the Serramonte Shopping Center because

there are more stores. My favorite is Macy's. When I want to buy some
food I go to Albertson's because it's near my house. If I want to go
shopping, I take my wife with me because when I go back home she
won't ask me any questions about what I bought.--Zaher
Hello, my name is Minh Nguyen. I came to the U.S. in 2003. The city of San Francisco
has a lot of stores. Last week I went to Macy's and looked at all the clothes, but I didn't
like them. They were expensive. After that, I went to Safeway and bought some food.
In my old country there aren't any big stores like Macy's. I like to buy used clothes
because they are cheap. I never shop on the Internet.--Minh
On Labor Day, I went shopping. There were a lot of people and they bought
something. Everyone enjoyed this day. In the store many clothes were on sale.
The price was not so expensive. Many students didn't come to school and went
shopping with their parents. I think it is convenient for people who live there.--
Hao Bo
In San Francisco shopping is very different than in my country. Everything

in San Francisco is expensive, but in my country it's cheap. I usually go
windowshopping when I have free time. Sometimes I go to Mervyn's,
Gap, and Macy's. I always pay by credit card in every store, but in
Chinatown I never do.--Duc
In San Francisco I like to buy food at Safeway, because it's near my house. Also I like
to go to the mall to buy clothes. I have never shopped at a garage sale or bought used
clothes. I always use my credit card for shopping, but I never use my credit card to
shop on the Internet. Sometimes I go windowshopping with my friend. Our favorite
store is an electronic store.--HZ
Shopping in San Francisco and in my country is the same. My favorite store for
food in San Francisco is Safeway, and for clothes is Ross. I never buy used
clothes, and I don't go to garage sales. I don't use a credit card, and I never
shop on the Internet. I don't like to go windowshopping.--Raisa
I like to go shopping. My family and I go to Safeway and buy groceries,

and sometimes we go to a little market on the street. My favorite store is
Ross because it's cheap and the clothes are good. Sometimes I buy used
clothes and go to garage sales. I don't have a credit card and never shop
on the Internet. When I want to go shopping, I need to go very fast
because my baby doesn't like to go shopping.--Maria

Shopping
I like to go shopping. My favorite store is Ross to buy clothes for my husband, my son
and me. I like the stores where they sell used things because there are many curious
and old things. I bought a little sewing machine, but my husband doesn't like that I
went to the used store. Another time I was walking on the street and saw some people
put out things and I went to ask if it was a garage sale. They said, "No, everything is
free." I said, "Oooh, really?" "Yes," they said, "There's a microwave, stereo and mirror,
etc." "Okay, I'll come back," I said. They said, "Come back soon, please." I went home
and told my husband the people on the street had a microwave and stereo and it was
free. He said, "No, no Elizabeth. They don't work." Okay, no problem. I came back to
the street and put all of them in a box and screamed to my husband and he went down
and helped me. Surprise! Everything worked.--Elizabeth

Families
I think that the family is very important. In my country children live with their parents
until they are married. When women are working and have small children, there are
people who help us. The grandmother always takes care of her grandchildren. I think
women can work, but it is necessary when the children are small that the mother is
with them. I believe that it is better to talk to your children than to spank them.--
Carmen
Hi. My name is Jenny Cao. I'm from China. I don't have a big or a small family. I
have three siblings. I have an elder brother. My elder brother is already married.
He has a daughter. His daughter's name is May. May is twelve years old. She's
a student. I have one elder sister and one younger sister. I live with my parents.
We live on 23rd Avenue in the Richmond in San Francisco. In my opinion, if I
married someone and I lived with my mother-in-law, I would like her very much.--
Jenny
I have a small family, only my husband and two children and I. When they
were very young, I took care of them at home by myself. When they got
big I found a job and worked outside. I don't think the grandparents can
live with a small family because each different generation has different
choices about teaching the kids, so they would have a lot of arguments.
In my country, there are some families with three generations living
together. They have many problems with this. In the United States,
families mostly do not live with their mother-in-law or father-in-law. Their
life is better than in my native country.--Amy
I have a small family in San Francisco. I have two children, one girl and one boy. I
think working for women with small children is not good. As for my parents living with
me, sometimes I feel happy and sometimes I feel angry.--May

Families
I have a small family in San Francisco. In my native country, I think women

working outside the home is okay because it always helps to increase the
standard of living in general for a better life, education, health, etc. for the family.
I agree that women with small children shouldn't work. It's better that they stay
with the baby. It's my opinion. I think it's not a good idea for adult children to live
with older parents because they need to live their own experiences and
responsibilities. People shouldn't spank children if they are frustrated by them.
The stereotype for mothers-in-law in my country is negative, because people
always talk about them.--Julia
My family has my wife and two daughters in San Francisco, but I have my
mother, brother, and sisters in my native country. Women in my native
country work because they can make money to help the family members
live. Often older parents live with adult children. They wish the adult
children can help their father and mother finish some housework.
Sometimes parents should spank their children while they are very angry--
Bing
My family is a Chinese style family. My husband and I go to work. We have three

children. They go to school every day. Our older parents don't live with us because
they are in China. We always phone our parents. Sometimes my children don't finish
their homework. I am angry, so I can spank them but I don't abuse it. In my country,
women work outside the home and work inside the home too. They take care of
children or clean the house and cook for families. They work very hard. Their
husbands don't do any housework because if a man does it, he will be laughed at,
especially in that country.--Yue Hua
My partner's name is Amy. She has two children. One child has two children.
Amy lives in San Francisco. Her family is small. She says in her native country
women have jobs. She thinks a woman with a small family can have a job. She
says it's a good idea to live with adult children because it's comfortable--George
I have a medium-sized family. I have a son and a daughter. My son has

two children. My daughter has two children. They live in San Francisco.
We are from Hong Kong. My wife is retired. She doesn't work. Sometimes
she takes care of our grandson, from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. In the daytime he
goes to a day care center. My wife never spanks children. My favorite is
my grandson. We are used to living in S.F. now. I have a wonderful
family.--Keihung

Families
In San Francisco, I have a small family. I have a son who is 13 years old. He came to
the United States last month. Now he's studying in middle school. My husband is a
businessman. He speaks English very well. He is very busy, but he often helps us, so
my family is very happy. In my country, China, I have a big family. I have one sister
and four brothers. My mother and father are very kind. They're retired and live at
home. They usually walk to the park in the morning. They do exercises and enjoy the
fresh air. My young brother is a high school teacher. He is tall and handsome. He's
married and he has a daughter. My parents and my sister and brothers are very
friendly. I love them. I often miss them and dream about them.--Kendy
I have a small family. My family is all in San Francisco. I think older parents
living with adult children is good. If not, the older parents will be lonely.--Yan
Hong.
In our country, women have to work outside the home. Their parents take
care of their children or they take them to a children center, because
young people have to work and get money. It is a problem for women.
They can't take care of their children well. If they have free time, many
parents take their children to learn other subjects, for example, to study
art.--Hao Bo
I don't have family in San Francisco. My family is in Macau. My mother doesn't work.
She stays home. I have three sisters. One sister goes to work. Two sisters don't work
because they take care of their children. My husband has a big family in San
Francisco. He has a mother and sisters and brothers. They go to work in a hotel.--Vai
My family moved to San Francisco in 1992. My wife, two children and I live
together. My wife and I have a job. My children studied in middle school, high
school, and then university. Now they are young men and are engineers. My
wife and I gave them so much to raise them. Now my wife and I are older. I think
my son must give back something to my wife and me. I hope that my wife and I
will live with my son when they have a big house. I like a happy family.--Ci Dian
We talked about families. In America the culture is very different from

China. Most Chinese families like all the people to live together. The
grandparents, parents and grandchildren live together. Some families
want to take care of each other. But in America, they don't like the people
in the family to live together. They like children to be independent. After
the children are 18 years old, they want the children to get out and take
care of themselves, so in America the children are very independent. I
like that--Xiao Li

Families
I have a small family. My wife and I are living in San Francisco. My wife's son lives in S.
F. too. My son and my sister's family are living in St. Petersburg now. In my country,
women usually work outside the home. I think women with small children shouldn't
have a job. I think it isn't a good idea for older parents to live with their adult children
because older parents usually interfere in the life of their adult children. The adult
children don't like it. I think parents should sometimes spank their children. In my
native country there is a negative stereotype for mothers-in-law, particularly for
daughters.--Aleksandr
I don't think it's a good idea for older parents to live with their adult children
because the adult children are independent. They have their own interests, such
as the music that they like, the sports, etc. Also, they talk, think, and play
differently than the older parents. The older parents always like it quiet and want
to spend more time to rest. If their interests are different, sometimes they are
going to argue. Then the family is not happy. They will both be upset in the
future.--Zhong Yee
I have a small family. I live with my father, mother and brother in San
Francisco. My family is very warm, but I always miss my grandparents
(my mother's parents), because they are both in China. I miss them every
second. I have 4 uncles and one aunt. I miss them also. They are very
nice and I really love them. I want to go back to China and live with them,
but I can't. I must stay here because my family is here. I love my family.--
Tracy
I have 2 children, one girl and one boy. My son is 3 years old now. I want to take care
of him until he is 6 years old, but my daughter is 12 years old. She is independent of
her parents. I think she will be out of the home soon. She is planning to come back to
America and go to the university. No problem, it's okay! My husband is a typical
Japanese. He doesn't do any housework, so I do all the housework. This is okay. I'd
rather stay at home than work outside. Sometimes I get angry...--Emi
I have a model family, three kids--2 girls and one son. They are in elementary
school. All of them are in the same school. Actually, I haven't seen my family
and my relatives in other countries for a long time. I miss them very much but
now I can't see them. Anyway, I have a few friends here and I have my
husband's family. My relationship with them is good, not too bad, and I hope my
children will stay with me when they grow up. I don't want my children to go far
away. I want to come to them until the last day in my life. This is my job for my
family.--Soad

Families
I have two children, but the two children are married. My son has three
sons. My daughter was married in August, 2004. I live alone. My parents
live in San Francisco near my house, and my sister's family, my brother's
family, my son's family, and my daughter's family do too. All of the
families live in the Sunset. My daughter lived together with me, but after
August, 2004, she worried because she left my house. In China, children
who don't marry live with their parents. My third grandson is one year old.
My daughter-in-law doesn't work. She takes care of the baby. I think the
baby's health is very good. In China all women work outside now. My
daughter was married. She lives with her husband, his parents, and his
sister, who is 26 years old. She told me his family is okay and she doesn't
have problems.--Doris
I have a small family, my husband, my son, and I. My son's name is Arthem. Arthem is
17 years old. I don't have a mother and father, sisters or brothers. My mother and
father died in 1999. My son studies in Newcomers School. My husband and I work
outside the home. I work in a Russian store on 22nd and Geary. My father-in-law, two
of my husband's cousins and my husband's brother live in San Francisco.--Laura
I have a small family, one son, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. I live in
San Francisco, and my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons live in Daly
City. My son and daughter-in-law work in San Francisco. My first grandson is 14
years old. He studies in 9th grade and he studies karate. My second grandson is
9 years old. He studies in 4th grade, and he studies karate. In my native
country, women worked outside the home.--Raisa
When you talk about family, I think you have to be careful because there
are many different opinions. However, I like a small family and my
husband does too. I think the family is only the husband, wife, and
children, not including older parents, but I can make exceptions. As for
working, I think it is very healthy that women work outside the house, not
for all day, but it is necessary because when a mother sees her children
and her children see their mother they are very happy and they have
many things to talk about. The mother's mind is very ready to think about
her children. Spending all day with the children is very hard.--Elizabeth

Families
My name is Minh Nguyen. I don't have my family in San Francisco, but I have my
parents-in-law. They live together with me in a house. My father-in-law takes care of
his grandson and my mother-in-law cooks for the whole house. They're retired now.
My father-in-law usually plays with his grandson. Sometimes he takes his grandson
outside and goes to the toy store. My family lives far away from me, but I call them
every month. They miss me too much. I went outside of my country about 1 year ago.
My parents-in-law are usually good to me. That's about my family. I'm happy because I
have a good family in San Francisco--Minh
I have a small family. I live together with my parents, uncle and grandmother in
San Francisco. Also, some relatives live in my native country. In my country
women work outside. If women have small children, they don't go to work. They
just take care of their children in the house. Sometimes parents spank their child
when their child does something bad.--H.Z.
In my opinion, older parents should live with adult children, because when
the people are at an old age, they don't have much more energy to live by
themselves. They need more help, so I think the adult children should
take care of their old parents and give them a comfortable life. Maybe you
have hard work, but if your parents really need your help, please try your
best to make your parents more and more happy. I'm sure no person
doesn't love their parents.--YuSheng
My family has a father, mother, little sister and me. My father is a waiter. He works in
Chinatown. He works 6 days a week. In my country my mother didn't need to work, but
after she came here she had to look for a job. My little sister and I are students. She is
a high school student. In my country, small children don't work at all. They just need to
study. I don't have a job now because I have to study more English.--Jason
I have a small family. I'm living with my parents, but my grandparents are living
in Hong Kong, China. In my native country, women usually work outside, but if
the woman has children, she usually works at home. Sometimes if the children
do something bad, their mothers should spank them. I think this is a good idea.
In China, after childhood, children live with their parents, but when they become
a man or woman, they get married to make a family. Usually they don't want to
live with their old parents. A stereotype for mothers-in-law in my native country
is negative.--A.K.

Families
I have a small family in San Francisco, my husband, my daughter, and

me. I also have three siblings, two brothers and a sister. They all live in
San Francisco. They are all married. In my native country, many women
work outside the home. Some women have a good job. They hire people
in their home to do their housework and take care of their small children. I
think it's a good idea for older parents to live with their adult children
because they have good experience to teach them. I don't think parents
should spank their children.--Susanna
I have a big family. Half of my family lives in the United States and half still lives in my
native country. The women usually clean up and cook at home. The small children just
study and sometimes help do something at home if they can. The older parents live
with their adult children. Sometimes they spank their children when they are angry at
their children.--Duc
Speaking about family, I think all families have some people living in other
countries. It's an interesting thing. Speaking about women, going to work is
okay, but small children working is not a good idea. Children should go to study
and learn so they can have a good future. I think parents living with adult
children is good. Sometimes parents spank the children when the children make
some mistake. It's not a big problem. Mothers-in-law shouldn't have stereotypes.
Some are good and some are bad. --Natalie

Interview 3
My partner's name is Carmen. She is from Peru. She never worked. When she was
young she wanted to be a teacher. She also studied teaching at the Catholic University
but she didn't finish that. She sometimes speaks English on the bus or in a store, etc.
People seldom don't understand her, but sometimes with some people she has a
problem when she talks to them. Her English has improved so much. Carmen is very
happy because day by day she is learning more and more. She has plans. Her goal is
to be a good cook in this country.--Julia
My partner's name is Doris. She had a job in her native country. She was a
doctor of acupuncture and treated some patients' problems. She also works in
San Francisco. She is still an acupuncturist. She likes her job very much
because she can help somebody when someone has body problems. She told
me when she was young, she wanted to be an engineer. She speaks English
with her patients. Sometimes she has trouble when somebody tells her they feel
uncomfortable and she can't understand at all. She learned English after she
came to S.F. She told me her English improved a lot. She plans to go to Great
America this weekend with her family.--Amy
My partner's name is Elizabeth. She came to San Francisco only eight

months ago. She doesn't have a job now. She wants to learn good
English. She wants to be a doctor in the future. She was a doctor in her
native country. When she was growing up, she already thought about
being a doctor. She would like to be a doctor in San Francisco in the
future. She studies English very hard. I think she will be successful. She's
a housewife now. She has a happy family. When she has free time, she
likes to go to the park with her son and husband. They have a picnic at
the park.--Jenny

Interview 3
My partner's name is Jenny. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but in her native
country she worked in real estate. Now she doesn't know what kind of job would be
best. As a child, she wanted to be a stylist and work in a beautiful salon. She speaks
English with her friends, and usually they understand, but sometimes she has trouble
with someone. This weekend she will go to a party in Chinatown because they have a
Festival of the Moon.--Elizabeth
My partner's name is Yue Hua. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco. Yue
Hua had a job in her native country. She was a teacher. She would like a job as
a teacher. When she was young, she wanted to be a lawyer. Yue Hua speaks
English on the bus and at the store. When people speak slowly, she
understands so-so. When she came to San Francisco, she spoke little English.
She plans to go shopping on the weekend.--Raisa
My partner's name is Raisa. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco.

She was an accountant in her native country. She hopes to have an
accounting job if she looks for work. When she was young, she wanted to
have the job of lawyer. Raisa often speaks English on the bus or in a
store. Her English is very good. People usually understand her, but she
thinks people speak too fast. Sometimes she doesn't understand them.
Raisa didn't know any English when she came to San Francisco. Her
English is improving. She studies very hard. Raisa is going to visit her
grandson this weekend. She has two grandsons who live near San
Francisco.--Yue Hua
My partner's name is Jay Yee. He has a job in San Francisco. He is a printer. When he
was in China, he was an office worker. He worked in an office. Right now he is
studying accounting in this school from 12:15 to 1:00 PM. He wants to study more
skills to find a good job. Usually he speaks Chinese at home, but at work he needs to
speak English. He speaks English very slowly and clearly. People can understand.
Sometimes if people speak too fast, he doesn't understand, so he likes to go to school
to learn more English because that is very important for life here.--Xiao Li
My partner's name is Julia. She works at the hospital as a lab technician. Before
she came to the U.S. she did the same thing. Julia always liked a nursing
career. She speaks English when going to the stores and when she needs to
buy something. People sometimes understand Julia and sometimes they don't.
When she came to San Francisco, she knew some English, but now she speaks
more. She thinks she will go to visit her daughter in Half Moon Bay next
weekend and go for a stroll.--Carmen

Interview 3
My partner's name is Sintayehu. He is from Ethiopia. He doesn't have a

job in San Francisco. He had a job in his native country. He worked in a
store. He liked his job in accounting. He sometimes speaks English at
home, on the bus, or in a store. People usually understand him, but
sometimes they don't. He usually goes to church on the weekend.--May
My partner's name is May. She came from China. She doesn't work in San Francisco
and she doesn't need any job because she stays with her baby. She needs to take
care of the baby. When May's baby grows up she wants a job as a computer engineer.
Sometimes she speaks English on the bus, in the store, and at home. Sometimes she
doesn't understand some people, but she understands other people. She remembers
sometimes people don't understand her pronunciation. She has plans for this
weekend.--Sintayehu
My partner's name is H.Z. He doesn't have a job in S.F. now because he's just
19 years old. He didn't have a job in his native country. He is a student. He
would like to have a job as a mechanic. When he was young he wanted to be a
policeman. He speaks English at high school and sometimes at home too. He
always speaks English on the bus and in the store. People usually understand
him and sometimes he has trouble understanding other people. When he came
to S.F. he knew English. He thinks his English is improving. On the weekend he
plans to look for a job.--Susanna
My partner's name is Xiao Li. She has a job in San Francisco. She's
working in an accounting office. She likes this job because she did
accounting in her native country. She said when she was young she
wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. She will look for a school and
learn accounting. She wants to get an accounting license. She speaks
English with her children and speaks English at work too. She thinks her
English is getting better and better from when she came to San
Francisco. She doesn't have any plans for this weekend.--Zhong Yee
My partner's name is Maria. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco and she didn't
have a job in her native country. She was a student. She would like to have a job in S.
F. When she was young, she wanted to be a bank teller in her country. She doesn't
speak Englilsh at home. Sometimes she speaks English on the bus or in the store.
People usually understand her. She doesn't understand other people sometimes. She
knew some English when she came to the U.S. Before, in her country, she studied
English for four years. She thinks her English is improving now. She doesn't have any
plans for the weekend. She will stay home. She's going to watch TV.--Minh

Interview 3
My partner's name is Tracy. She is from Tai Shan, China. She came to the
United States only three months ago. She lives with her family. She is very
young. She is 18 years old. In China, she was a high school student. She
studied every day and she was happy. In San Francisco, she is a City College
student. She studies English very hard because she wants to become a
university student.--Kendy
My partner's name is Amy Wei. She is retired. She worked at a cafeteria

in a school when she came to the USA. She was a file clerk in China
before she came to San Francisco. She likes office work, but when she
was young, she wanted to be a nurse. She speaks English in class at
school, and sometimes she speaks English in a store. Sometimes people
understand her. She spoke English a little when she came to the USA.
She thinks her English is improving. She has plans to stay home and
clean the house for the weekend. Maybe she'll work in the yard.--Doris
My partner's name is Emi. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but in her country
she is an assistant in a company. She is a housewife. She enjoys her life. When she
goes to the store and uses English, sometimes the people understand her, and
sometimes they don't. On the weekend, she will drive with her family and go
sightseeing.--Hao Bo
My partner's name is Hao Bo. He doesn't have a job. He just came to San
Francisco. He was a businessman in China and he wants to do that again. He
doesn't speak English very well so he has much trouble, but he feels he
improved his own English. It's nice! He has plans for the weekend. He will go to
the park with his son and they are going to run. He will get nice exercise.--Emi
My partner's name is Kei Hong. He's been living in America five years.
Now he's working at a newspaper and he is a reporter. Before, he was
working at a school. He was an art teacher in Hong Kong. His plan for this
weekend is visiting his son. His English is improving.--Lkhagvasuren
My partner's name is Kendy. She doesn't have a job yet, but she had a job in her
native country. She was a manager. When she was young, she wanted to be a teacher
when she grew up. She usually speaks English in her husband's store. The customers
usually understand her, but she has trouble understanding other people. She had
learned English before she came to San Francisco. Now, she thinks her English is
improving. She has plans for the weekend. She will go shopping.--Tracy

Interview 3
My partner's name is AK. He is a young boy. He came from China. He worked in

IT in an internet company in China. He likes computers very much. He could
speak English a little bit when he just came to the U.S.A. Now his English is
improving so much. I am sure he will be successful in the U.S.A.--Ci Dian
My partner's name is Manuchar. He doesn't have a job in SF now. When

he was in his country, he was a taxi driver. Now he is looking for a job. He
wants to be a taxi driver in S.F. but he can not speak English well. He
wants to improve his English first. When he was young, he wanted to
have his own business.--Natalie
My partner's name is Jason. He doesn't have a job now. He didn't work in his native
country. He would like to find a job. He speaks English at school and when he buys
something at stores. He has a little trouble when he speaks English. People don't
understand him. He studied English in his country, but the pronunciation isn't the
same. He doesn't have any plans this weekend. He'll stay home, watch TV, cook
dinner for his family, and maybe visit friends or go somewhere.--Teresa
My partner's name is Teresa. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but she
had a job in her native country. She worked at a factory. She speaks English
only at school or in a store, and I do too. She didn't know any English when she
came to San Francisco because she needed to work during the day and English
classes weren't open at night. Finally, she usually stays home on the weekend.
Then she cleans her room and watches TV. Maybe she'll go to buy some food.--
Jason.
My partner's name is Ci Dian. He doesn't have a job in S.F. but in his

native country he was an electrician. He likes this job very much. It's a
good job for him. He just speaks English at work and at the store, but
people usually don't understand his English. His English isn't good. He
has a lot of trouble understanding other people and can't remember when
people say something. He didn't study English in his native country, but
now his English is improving a little. He always goes to play table tennis
on the weekend and goes to the supermarket to buy some food for
himself.--AK

Interview 3
My partner's name is Susanna. She doesn't have a job in San Francisco, but in her
native country she had a small business. She likes the job of selling clothes. She told
me she didn't know what kind of job she would do when she grew up. She speaks
English in S.F., sometimes at home and at the store. Sometimes people understand
her. She has trouble understanding other people. She didn't know any English when
she came to S.F. Her plan for the weekend is going to a special garden with her
family.--HZ
My partner's name is YM. He doesn't have a job in San Francisco and he didn't
have a job in his native country. He's going to have a business. He doesn't
speak English at home. Sometimes he speaks it in the store. He doesn't
understand when someone talks, but he knew some English when he came to
San Francisco. He's improving in English. He has some plans this weekend. He
will go to play soccer with his friend.--Duc
My partner's name is Minh. He is from Vietnam. He doesn't have a job

now. In Vietnam he was a soldier. In the future he wants a job. He likes a
mechanic job because it is a good job with good money. When he was
young, his dream was to be a bus driver. He only speaks English on the
bus or in a store. Sometimes people don't understand. He doesn't have
trouble with other people not understanding. He studied English in
Vietnam but he says it is very different than here. English is difficult for
him, but he thinks in the future it will be better. He doesn't have plans for
the weekend, but he needs to go to the laundry.--Maria

Exercise and Sports
I like to exercise. I like swimming, aerobics, and volleyball. I often do sports 2 to 3

times a week. In my country soccer is popular with younger people and then men and
women like different sports. Men like soccer and martial arts, but women like aerobics
and softer sports. I like to walk the best because when I was a kid, my school was very
far. I had to walk to go to school every day, so I like to walk now. I like to watch the
Olympics on TV. I like to watch platform diving in the Olympics the best. Whether a
man or woman jumps into the pool, it's very interesting.--Yue Hua
I like to exercise. I like to do yoga every weekday, Monday through Friday. On

the weekend I like to run in Golden Gate Park with my family. Sometimes we
play basketball in my backyard. In my native country, soccer, volleyball, ping-
pong and a lot of sports are popular. When I was a kid, I liked to play badminton
and ping-pong. I like to watch the Olympics on TV, especially diving.--Susanna
First, I like any exercise because it's good for your health. I like soccer,
football, basketball, track and field, and tennis. I especially like soccer.
Now I don't play soccer. Now sometimes I exercise by running. In my
country, popular sports are track and field, especially 5,000 and 10,000
meter runs. When I was a kid I played soccer. At that time in my country,
men and women did not play different sports. Now it is the same. I like to
watch any sports, especially American football. Six months ago I didn't
like this sport, but now I am very interested. Yes, I watched the Olympics.
My favorite was basketball.--Sintayehu
I like to exercise but I don't like it so much. When I was a child, I played basketball. I
was on a team, but in my family no one exercised. After that when I was in the
universitym every morning I ran in the stadium for three or four years, but when my
university finished, I didn't have time. I was always tired, and very busy studying. Now
it's 10 years that I haven't had any exercise, but all the time I think about exercising. I
go upstairs and downstairs at school, at the hospital, and in my building. If I have time,
I don't take the bus. I walk. When I clean the house I guess that is exercise too. I don't
like to watch any sports--Elizabeth
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Exercise and Sports
I like to exercise. A few years ago I took my kids to the swimming pool every
week, so right now they swim very well. Sometimes they teach other kids in the
swimming pool. In my family, everybody likes sports. Sometimes we watch
football games on TV. In my native country, soccer is our popular sport. A lot of
people like it. If soccer is in the Olympics, it makes everybody excited so sports
is good for the people.--Xiao Li
When I was a child, I did track and field in elementary school in Peru and
I had a competition with another school. It was very interesting and fun for
me. In my native country the most popular sports are soccer, volleyball
and boxing. The last Olympics I saw the whole thing, but I liked
swimming, boxing, and relay races very much. I always see wrestling,
boxing, baseball and soccer on TV. Sometimes I go to the ball park. At
this time I do exercises for my back. I have an injury in my spine. Now I
don't feel so good but I am going to be better. I hope so.--Julia
I like to exercise. I think I exercise every day. I like to walk and run. Before, I was doing
aerobics. This is very good for you. I like to do it. In my native country, people play
many, many games, for example, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and more. In
my native country, wrestling is very popular, sambo, judo, sumo and more, but the
most popular is Mongolian wrestling. This is only for men. Once upon a time one
woman was doing it, but now there are not any women. I like to watch basketball and
tennis.--Lkhagvasuren
I like to exercise very much. I usually get up at 7:00 am and then I go to play
basketball from 8:00 am to 8:50 am. I enjoy playing it, but I did not like it when I
was a kid. I only liked running in my native country. Five years ago, I watched
NBA basketball on TV. It was very exciting. Then I watched all the NBA
Basketball games. I play basketball every day when I have time. I don't know
what happened to me. The TV changed my mind. It changed my favorite
exercise! Oh, the NBA Basketball and playing basketball is really fun, really
interesting for me.--Zhong Yee
Exercise is good for health, but it's different in different countries, such as
in my native country. It's only the young and a few old people who
exercise. It's difficult to see adults exercise, no matter if they are free or
busy. But I think in S.F. it is very different. I can see people at any age
exercise anywhere and at anytime. People care about their health so
much they make exercise one part of their life. It's a good idea I see in S.
F.--Yu

Exercise and Sports
I like to play tennis because we can meet new people and exercise. It is very good
relaxation. In our native country, soccer is popular. Many people like to watch and
play. When I was a kid, my friend and I liked to play soccer as a school sport. All
people think their native team can get a good score and get a prize in the world.--Bo
I think doing exercise is good for the mind and for the body because it gives you
enthusiasm and also more energy for work. I like to swim because it's fun and
it's an excellent sport. In my native country, the most popular sport is soccer, but
likewise volleyball gives many people satisfaction because they always earn
prizes in competition. When I was a child, I played volleyball with my friends. In
the last Olympics I was watching the different sports on TV and saw that the U.S.
A. earned many gold medals.--Carmen
I like to exercise. I like to run and play badminton. In my native country,

volleyball, basketball, ping-pong and soccer are very popular. Men and
women like different sports in my native country. Men like basketball and
soccer, but women like volleyball. I like to watch sports on TV. I like to
watch the Olympics on TV. I like to watch relay races, swimming and
volleyball.--Tracy
I like to exercise. I like to play basketball and pool very much. In my native country I
played pool every day. When I was a child, I liked to play basketball very much. I like
to watch basketball games on TV and the Olympic sport I like is swimming.--HZ
I like soccer. When I was a kid, I played soccer for a long time. I like basketball
too, but I only play it sometimes. I like to watch it on TV.--Manuchar
I'm Duc. I don't like exercise. Sometimes I play ping-pong in this school.
In my native country, everyone usually likes to play soccer. I usually
watched soccer on Sunday when I lived in my country. I like everything in
the Olympics. That's it about me.--Duc
Well, I don't like exercise, but in my native country, soccer is very popular. All the
people like soccer. When I was a child I didn't play sports, but I like to watch sports on
TV. Sometimes I watch soccer or boxing. When the Olympics were on TV, I watched
gymnastics. I liked it so much. Since I came here, I've loved the Giants. They play
baseball. Sometimes I go to the ballpark.--Maria R.

Exercise and Sports
My name is Minh Nguyen. I'm from Vietnam. I came to the U.S. in June, 2003.
I'm a student now. In my native country, I liked to swim when I was a child. Men
and women like different sports in my native country. Men like to play soccer
and women like to play basketball. Now I like to swim in the swimming pool, and
I like to watch football too. Sometimes I run to Ocean Beach. That's about me.--
Minh
My name's AK. I like to exercise. I like basketball very much. I play

basketball about every day. The popular sport in my native country is
table tennis, but in my native country men and women like to play
badminton. I like to watch basketball games on TV, but I don't like to
watch the Olympics on TV because I haven't got much time to watch TV--
AK
I like exercise. I do Tai Chi every day, sometimes in the morning and sometimes after
dinner. Tai Chi is always popular in my native country, and ping-pong is too. I like ping-
pong and basketball, and to watch ice dancing on TV. I like to watch people do Tai Chi
in my country. Now a lot of old people do dancing and Tai Chi and a lot of kids play
soccer and ping-pong too.--Doris
I like to walk. This is my favorite exercise. When I find free time, I walk. I feel
very good. I remember wrestling is very popular in my native country I love to
play soccer and football with my kids. I think the sports my kids and I watch are
basketball, ballet, swimming, and gymnastics. That's about it for Olympic sports.
I think for me the best sport is football. It is very exciting, healthy, nice, and
good.--Soad
I like exercise. I studied classical ballet from 3 years old to 25 years old,
so I like to do and watch classical ballet, but I don't like modern ballet. It
feels cheap, artificial, and not human. Recently I can't do running either. I
can run once every two weeks. I want more running, but I don't have time.
I want to try classical ballet again, but I can't move physically like I used
to.--Emi
I have a good body because I like to exercise very much. When I was a child, I went to
swim every day in the summer. When I was a young man, I always went to swim and
rode a bike to go to work. On the weekend I rode a bike for a long distance to go
fishing. Sometimes I went to play table tennis. Now I still like to do this exercise. I like
to watch tennis matches, basketball games and ping-pong matches.--Ci Dian

Exercise and Sports
When I was young, I played table tennis and volleyball only in my school class
because I didn't have much chance to play. I like to watch football on TV very
much. Soccer in my country is very popular. Everybody likes the sport. The
Olympic sports I like to watch on TV are soccer, swimming, the marathon race,
etc. It is very exciting.--Amy
I like to exercise and play sports. I liked swimming and playing volleyball,
but it was a long time ago. In my country tennis and soccer are popular.
When I was a kid, I swam and ran. I like to watch diving on TV.--Yan Hong
I like exercise. When I was a child, I liked playing soccer, playing basketball, running
and jumping. I wanted to be an athlete, but my right foot got hurt so I stopped my
athletic dream. Now I like to exercise too. In the summer or on vacation, I run and do
exercises every day, but this semestesr I run and do exercises three times a week. I
like to watch sports on TV too. During the Olympics, I watched TV every day. I liked to
watch swimming and soccer.-Kendy

San Francisco
San Francisco is a very beautiful city. I like San Francisco--the place, weather, cable
cars, and people from different countries. If my friends come to visit, I would like to
take them to the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard
Street, and Coit Tower. My favorite places are Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman's
Wharf. I like Ghiradelli ice cream too. Golden Gate Park is a good place to take your
children. The Maritime Museum and library are places that are free. Also, the first
Wednesday of every month is free in San Francisco museums.--Susanna
Hello. My name is AK. I like the people, who are very nice, but I don't like the
wind here. If my friends come to visit I would take them downtown to go
shopping. I like Golden Gate Park. I'd take children to go to Ocean Beach. They
are all free, but going shopping is very expensive.--AK
I'm Minh. I came to the U.S. in 2003. I like to live in S.F. The weather is
very good for me. Sometimes I don't like cold. I like to go to Ocean Beach
and see people walk on the beach and I like to go to Pier 39. If my friends
visit S.F., I would like to take them to a Vietnamese restaurant. I like to go
to Macy's. I don't like to eat fast food. I think it is not good for my health.--
Minh
After I came to S.F. my cousin took me to visit some famous places of SF. We went to
the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin Peaks, and so on, but I really like
Ocean Beach the most. I like the ocean, sand, wind, and sunlight. It makes me feel
comfortable and relaxed. It's not only a place to visit, but also a good place for people
to exercise. People like to do many kinds of sports along the ocean beach. It's really a
wonderful place in S.F.--Yu

San Francisco
I lived in another state before I moved to San Francisco one and a half years
ago. When I came to San Francisco, I felt my skin and face were dry. I
remember I wasn't used to the climate here. I didn't like the fog here and the
expensive houses. Right now I am already used to the climate here. I like San
Francisco's climate because it is not very cold or hot. It is okay for me and I like
San Francisco's different style restaurants. You can choose different food to
eat.--Jenny
San Francisco is a very beautiful city. I like it very much. Sometimes my

friends come to visit us. I like to take them to Golden Gate Park and
Fisherman's Wharf. There are beautiful views and fresh air there. If they
come at a good time we can go to the San Francisco zoo (because the
zoo is free the first Wednesday of each month). Also we will bring them to
Chinatown. There is a lot of Chinese food and Chinese cultural things
there. We don't go to museums because they are too expensive, but we
still have a good time.--Xiao Li
I especially like the weather in San Francisco. It's not cold and not hot. It is good and
there are many places to visit in San Francisco. This is unique. I like this part. If my
friends come to visit me, I'll take them to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
and Golden Gate Park because these places are my favorite places. In San Francisco,
life is not cheap. I don't like this part. This is my guess because I don't know another
city. I came directly to San Francisco. Anyhow, I like it.--Sintayehu
I like the buildings in San Francisco. They are lower and smaller. In our country,
most buildings are tall and big. I like both San Francisco and China buildings. I
don't like the weather of San Francisco because sometimes it's foggy.
Sometimes it's sunny. For example, this morning is very cold, but the afternoon
is hot. It's very different at different times of day. San Francisco is a famous
vacation city. If my friends come here, I'll take them to the Golden Gate Bridge
or Golden Gate Park. I will take a cable car with them. In San Francisco some
places are free for visiting--Japantown, Chinatown, or some museums. You can
go to visit them.--Yue Hua
I like the climate and architecture in San Francisco. I don't like the
expensive life in San Francisco. When my friends come to visit, I like to
take them to a Chinese restaurant, Golden Gate Park, cable cars, and
some museums. My favorite places in San Francisco are Golden Gate
Park, Ocean Beach, and the public library. I know free places are
museums on free days, concerts in churches, and Golden Gate Park.--
Aleksandr

San Francisco
I love San Francisco because San Francisco has a beautiful atmosphere, human and
not artificial. I love the landscape the most but my groupmate said, "I don't like it
anywhere." Why??? I don't understand. I don't like American fish. It is no good. If my
friends came here, I would take them everywhere without eating food.--Emi
San Francisco is a beautiful city in the world. Some people always say, "It is a
good place to travel." This means they are telling you if you visit there, you will
enjoy it. My friends often visit San Francisco. I usually take them to visit the
Golden Gate Bridge. It is famous in the world. Then I take them to visit
Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and Twin Peaks. I also take them to visit around
the Bay Area. San Francisco has different cultures. It has different restaurants
too. I take all my friends to Vietnamese, Italian, Thai, or French restaurants for
dinner. They always say, "That was a wonderful trip!"--Zhong Yee
I like San Francisco because there are many tourist places to visit, such
as the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, the Piers in the
Embarcadero, etc. I don't like the weather. It's very cold and foggy and
the buses are crowded. When my friends come to San Francisco, I take
them to visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. My
favorite place in San Francisco is Twin Peaks. The first Wednesday of the
month the zoo is free. The aquarium and the museum of art are
expensive. A good place for kids is Golden Gate Park because there are
many playgrounds.--Teresa
I've lived in San Francisco just one year. I like this city's weather, beautiful houses and
green places. The weather isn't hot in summer and isn't cold in winter. The weather is
warm or cool in season, but I don't like fog and wind. I often go to Golden Gate Park. It
has a few museums and many plants. I think it is a good place for children because
they may learn and find out many things. I also often go to the Golden Gate Bridge. I
like to see it. It is strong and great. Sometimes I take the bus to Chinatown. I feel like
I'm back in my native country. I like San Francisco, but I don't like this city's expensive
homes and waiting for a doctor takes a long time.--Kendy
San Francisco is a good city. I like all the people, the buildings, the weather, the
restaurants, and the stores in San Francisco. If my friends come to visit, I'd like
to take them to Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard
Street, but I will take them to Chinatown first, because I want to let them know
the other China in San Francisco. I think the beach and museums are good
places to take children, because the beach and some of the museums are free,
and these are good for their health and thought.--Tracy.

San Francisco
I like the weather in San Francisco. It's very mild in comparison to other
cities of the U.S.A and China. Before coming to San Francisco, I lived in
New York City. There it's cold and there is a lot of snow in winter and it's
very hot in summer. I also have been to many other cities, such as Los
Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C. and Miami. L.A. and Miami
are so hot in summer. The weather in Chicago and Washington D.C. is
like NYC, so I think the weather of San Francisco is the best in America
though sometimes fog and wind upset us. I don't like San Francisco's
house prices. These are crazy for the common person, even for middle
class people. The average price is even higher than in NYC--the biggest
city of the U.S.A. I've never understood the reason--usually there is a
higher price in a bigger city.--Kevin
I like to live in San Francisco because the weather is very good. I hate weather that is
too hot. In San Francisco, the weather is like spring, partly cloudy. If we go to Golden
Gate Park, the trees are very tall and green. There are many people from different
countries. It is the best big park in the city. There are many museums where children
and visitors like to go.--Bo
I like the weather in San Francisco because it is not hot. In my country, it is very
hot in the summer. If my friends come to visit, maybe I'll take the bus with them
to Japantown. Why don't we go to Chinatown? Because I hate it. It's very noisy
and there are too many people. There are many free places. I always go there
and I like to go shopping very much because it is cheap. The same thing I need
to pay $2.00 for here, I need to pay $20.00 to buy in my country. --Jason
In San Francisco, I like the beach. I don't like the hills in S.F. too much. If
my friend is a newcomer to S.F., I will take him to Fisherman's Wharf and
to the Golden Gate Bridge to visit. In San Francisco my favorite place is
Ocean Beach because I like the ocean so much. When I'm unhappy, I just
go to the beach and look at the ocean. That makes me feel better.--HZ
I like San Francisco, with the ocean around the city and the air is clean. The bridges
are different designs. However, I don't like the weather so much, because sometimes it
changes too fast in a few days. When my friends come to S.F. I always take them to
go sightseeing at the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and
Japantown, but there it is very expensive for everything. The San Francisco Zoo is
good for kids to play in.--Amy

San Francisco
I like San Francisco because it's convenient and the weather is not too hot or
cold. I don't like San Francisco because there are too many immigrants when I
look for a job. When my friends visit me, I usually take them to the Golden Gate
Bridge, Pier 39, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and Chinatown, my favorite sightseeing
places in San Francisco. Parks are the best places to take children. The zoo is
free on the first Wednesday of the month. Restaurants near Union Square are
expensive.--Duc
Well, I like all of S.F. I think S.F. is a good place. I just don't like one thing,
the homeless. When my friends come to S.F. I think they will like
Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and
cable cars. These are good places. My favorite place is the Mission. We
have some places for children: the planetarium, museum, zoo, and
Golden Gate Park. I think the zoo is only free one day, some museums
and I don't know what else. Some malls are expensive. Well, in
Chinatown we can walk free. I really like San Francisco.--Maria
I like the city of San Francisco. I think it's beautiful, the houses, streets, downtown,
Japantown, and Chinatown, but I don't like the climate. It's always windy and the wind
is cold, but I like fog. On the other hand, I don't like the public transportation in San
Francisco. It's always slow and they come two and three together and sometimes you
have to wait a long long time for the bus and train. My favorite place in San Francisco
is Golden Gate Park. I never saw such a big park with lakes, and it is taken care of
very well (no garbage). It's very neat.--Elizabeth
I like everything in San Francisco. San Francisco has many many nice places. If
my friends come to visit San Francisco, first I'll take them to the ocean because I
like the ocean very much. It is very nice. After that I'll take them to Fisherman's
Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, downtown and many more
places. I think in the USA, people work very hard. I think the zoo and
Fisherman's Wharf are good places to take children. San Francisco has many
many free places, for example, shops and streets, and if you walk on the street
you can see everything.--Lkhagvasuren
San Francisco is a beautiful city. It has a wide San Francisco Bay. There
are many kinds of boats. San Francisco has some hills. The houses are
built there like a picture, so I like the view of San Francisco. San
Francisco's weather is good. It is not too hot or cold. Living in San
Francisco, I feel very comfortable. San Francisco has many Chinese
supermarkets. I can buy Chinese food very easily, so I think that it is like
living in China!--Ci Dian

San Francisco
I like San Francisco weather and many many Chinese restaurants. I don't like San
Francisco because everything is expensive. If my friends come to San Francisco to
visit me, I will take them to the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. Lombard
Street and Coit Tower are my favorite places in San Francisco. Golden Gate Park is a
good place to take children to play.--May

Interview 4
My partners' names are Sintayehu and Doris. Sintayehu came from Ethiopia. He
usually eats tibs, ingera and kitfo (Ethiopian food). In San Francisco the food he eats is
a little different. He likes Chinese food and Mexican food and different kinds of food.
Last year he went to South Africa and Brazil on vacation. He likes those countries'
museums and he enjoys sightseeing a lot. Doris is from China. She likes San
Francisco food very much. She likes Japanese food and different kinds of food too.
Last year she went to New York to visit her nephew. She likes the Statue of Liberty
there, but doesn't like the traffic and noise.--Susanna
My partner's name is Jenny. Jenny had a vacation in Hawaii a few years ago.
She told me that it is very beautiful there. There are a lot of mountains, flowers,
and she saw some famous volcanos. It has a lot of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Around the big islands there are also beautiful views and bridges. She ate some
special native food, and took a boat around the islands. She enjoyed a lot of fun
things in Hawaii. I hope that if I have a chance I will be able to go there to take a
vacation.--Amy
My partner's name is Bo. My partner usualy has milk and bread for
breakfast. For lunch he eats meat and rice, and for dinner rice, meat and
vegetables. Bo sometimes cooks the food, and sometimes Bo can eat in
a restaurant. Bo tried seafood. He sometimes eats "fast food." My partner
Bo went to Seattle. He visited his friends.--Manuchar
My partner's name is Maria. She's from Mexico. She came to the U.S. two years ago,
and now she lives with her family. In the morning she usually eats eggs and drinks milk
for her breakfast. She usually eats a sandwich for her lunch and she eats fish and rice
for her dinner. Sometimes she cooks food for her family. On the weekend she eats in a
restaurant with her family. Sometimes she wants to try Chinese food. She likes
Chinese food very much. Sometimes she eats fast food--about once a month. When
she was a child, she came to Mexico D.F. She saw a pyramid and cathedral. She's
going to go to Hawaii in the future.--Minh

Interview 4
My partner's name is Minh. He usually eats noodles for breakfast and rice and
chicken for dinner. He doesn't eat lunch. His mother always cooks. He ate the
same food in his native country. He likes Chinese food and fast food too. He
went to L.A. 3 months ago. He saw famous people. He saw Hollywood and the
big bridge. He took a lot of pictures. In the future, he's going to go back to his
country.--Maria
My partner's name is Manuchar. He usually eats breakfast. He eats eggs

and bread. For lunch and dinner he eats meat, bread, rice, and
vegetables. He never cooks. His wife always cooks for him. He doesn't
like to go to restaurants because it's very noisy there. In San Francisco he
eats the same kind of food he ate in his native country. He likes to try and
eat new food. He likes to eat pizza but he never goes to eat fast food.
Last year he went to Sacramento. He went to see the Capitol and went
sightseeing. Some time he will go on a vacation but now he doesn't have
a plan where to go.--Bo
My partner's name is Carmen. She usually drinks orange juice for breakfast. She
prefers to eat a sandwich for lunch. At dinnertime she loves to eat Japanese food.
Every day she cooks the food for her family. Sometimes she eats at a Chinese
restaurant with her family too. She ate different food in her native country. She tried
Chinese food. She likes it very much. She took a vacation to Yosemite National Park.
In her future she wants to go around the world.--H.Z.
My partner's name is Amy. She's from Taiwan. She lives with her husband. She
usually eats cereal for breakfast. She usually eats noodles for lunch. Chinese
people usually like to eat rice for dinner every day and Amy also usually eats
rice every day. Sometimes she tries different kinds of food. She likes sushi very
much and she likes fast food. In 2002 she traveled to Washington with her
husband. She traveled around Washington D.C. In the future she wants to go to
Hawaii.--Jenny
My partner's name is Sintayehu. He usually eats a banana and pancakes

for breakfast. Sometimes he cooks. He is from Ethiopia in Africa. He
usually eats his country's food. He likes "fast food." He went to Brazil last
year. He likes Brazil. It's beautiful. It has a long beach. It has a lot of
museums. He likes vacations. My other partner's name is Susanna. She
always cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner. She usually eats egg, ham and
milk for breakfast. She eats Chinese food for lunch and dinner. Her
daughter likes "fast food." Sometimes her daughter and her husband eat
it with her. Her family went to Toronto. She likes Niagara Falls. It's very
beautiful.--Doris

Interview 4
My partner's name is Emi. She usually has a cup of coffee and a piece of bread for
breakfast and then eats Japanese food for lunch and dinner. Emi likes to cook.
Sometimes she and her friends eat in a restaurant. She doesn't like different kinds of
food, so she only eats Japanese food. Emi has eaten "fast food" in Ameria, for
example, toast, sandwiches and hot dogs. Emi tells me she went to Las Vegas. She
saw cactus in the desert. It's very interesting and famous. The city has many buildings
built by architects. They are beautiful.--Yue Hua
My partner's name is Lkhagva. She is from Mongolia. She usually eats some
fruit, cereal, milk, and bread for breakfast, vegetables, beef, lamb or chicken rice
for lunch, and rice, fish, salad and fruit for dinner. Sometimes she cooks, or her
sister does. She enjoys making Mongolian food. She doesn't try any new food.
She seldom eats fast food. One year ago she went to China and saw
restaurants, schools, museums, etc. She said she doesn't know where she
wants to go on vacation in the future.--Julia
My partners are two young women. Their names are Susanna and Doris.
This is about Susanna. She is from China. She likes S.F. She often eats
fried egg, ham, and milk for breakfast. She likes this food. She cooks
every day. She doesn't eat in a restaurant. She eats the same kind of
food she ate in her native country. She likes Chinese food. She doesn't
eat fast food because she says it's not good for your health. She visited
another country, Toronto, Canada. She liked Niagara Falls. That is a
special place.--Sintayehu
My partner's name is Alex. He is from Russia. He studies English very hard. He usually
takes the bus to get to school. He is never absent. He always eats cereal for breakfast.
He usually eats potatoes, meat, soup, salad, chicken and rice for lunch and for dinner.
He likes his native country's food. He doesn't like fast food because it might make him
heavy. He likes to try some new foods. He tried eating lobster and crab. They were
good. He likes to travel. He went to Colorado Springs on vacation. Last summer, he
visited his old friend. They climbed a high mountain together. That city was beautiful.
He liked it very much. Next summer, he'll go to his native country.--Kendy
My partner's name is Carmen. She comes from Peru. She usually has bread,
juice, and milk for breakfast. She likes American food, Japanese food and
Chinese food. She always eats these kinds of food for lunch or dinner. She can
cook many kinds of food. She is a good housewife. Sometimes Carmen takes a
vacation. She likes to travel. She went to Yosemite National Park and other
places. She enjoys the American views. She is a happy person.--Ci Dian

Interview 4
My partner's name is Vai. She is a housewife. She takes care of her

family every day because her kids are too young and her husband has to
work, so that is very busy for her. Every day she has to cook breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, and to take care of the kids. Usualy she has tea with
bread for breakfast. She cooks noodles for lunch, but she cooks a lot of
food for dinner, like rice, meat, and vegetables. She is a busy person.
She doesn't have time to go on vacation, but she plans to go on vacation
next year. She'll go to Canada.--Xiao Li
My partner's name is Xiao Li. She usually has oatmeal and milk for breakfast. For
lunch she eats noodles, and for dinner she eats rice. She needs to cook every day.
She doesn't have someone to cook for her. Sometimes she eats in a restaurant. She
eats the same food as in her native country. She likes new food, American food and
spaghetti. When she has a vacation, she'll go to Canada, China, and Hong Kong.--Vai
My partner's name is Julia. She usually eats oatmeal, a sandwich, toast, ham,
chicken, peanut butter, marmelade, and milk for her breakfast. For lunch she
always eats fruit--apples, grapes, and water. She always eats Chinese food and
salad for dinner. Sometimes she cooks the food, but she usually goes to a
Chinese restaurant and gets food to go. She sometimes eats the same kind of
food as in her native country. She really likes to try Chinese food and she
doesn't like to eat fast food. Two years ago she visited Los Angeles. She saw
Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, museums, and many things. Now she will go to
Las Vegas.--Lkhagvasuren
My partner's name is Yue Hua. She usually eats noodles for breakfast.
Yue Hua and I are both Asian, but I don't ever eat noodles for breakfast,
so I was surprised. She wants to try Korean food. She went to Vietnam
and saw interesting people, buildings, clothes, and culture. She'd like to
go to Washington D.C. in the future. I would too. I'd also like to see the
East Coast because it is very far away from Tokyo, so I want to go while
I'm staying in America.--Emi
My partner's name is Jason. He always eats lunch and dinner, but he doesn't usually
eat breakfast. He doesn't cook the food--his mother cooks it for him. He always eats
Chinese style food like in his native country. He likes to eat hamburgers. He never eats
"fast food." He went to Beijing before. He saw Tiananmen Square, took some pictures
and ate a lot of Beijing style food. He wants to go to New York and Hawaii in the
future, because he never went there.--Tracy

Interview 4
My partner's name is Kevin. He usually eats bread with eggs for breakfast. He
eats meat, vegetables and rice for lunch. Sometimes he eats chicken and
turkey. He almost always eats salads and fruit for dinner. He cooks for himself.
He didn't eat the same food in his country. He likes to try hot dogs, sandwiches
and fried chicken. He went to England, France, and Australia. He saw Big Ben
in London, Disneyland in Paris, and the opera house in Sydney. He was
sightseing there. He is going to Yellowstone in the future.--Duc
My partner's name is Duc. He usually eats noodles for breakfast, chicken,

shrimp and rice for lunch and dinner. He almost never cooks because his
wife cooks for him. In his native country, Vietnam, he ate the same kind of
food. He tried some new food in the U.S.A. such as fried chicken and
pizza. He likes fried chicken but doesn't like pizza. He also ate other fast
food. He took a trip to Los Angeles and San Diego for sightseeing, and
went to visit Seaworld and 6 Flags Park. He played at Magic Mountain
there, and liked it very much. In the future he intends to visit China--Kevin.
My partner's name is Kendy. She is from China. She usually has eggs, milk and a
piece of bread for breakfast. She sometimes cooks. She ate the same kind of food in
her native country. She tried new "American food." She sometimes eats "fast food."
She visited her native country and saw her parents and took her son to the USA. She
is going to L.A. in the future.--Aleksandr
My partner's name is J. J. has orange juice, milk and pancakes for breakfast. He
usually eats one sandwich or crackers for lunch and Chinese food that he
prepares himself. J. likes to travel and a year ago visited Tokyo. That city made
him happy. He went to the stores and saw the progress of technology of that
country. J. is younger and wants to travel around the world in the future.--
Carmen

Education
Write About Education
In China, public education is free for 9 years. Children need to go to school about 6
years. Elementary and middle school is free for kids. They are the same for boys and
girls. Elementary school is 6 years and middle school is 3 years. High school isn't free.
For other private schools, you have to pay money. If you want to go to the university,
many kids must take a test every year. The government gives a test for children. If you
don't pass, you will spend one year reviewing. If you want to go to a good university,
you must get a good score.--Bo
The education system in China has elementary school and middle school (some
schools contain high school), technical school, college and university. All
schools are not free now. The cost of some schools is very high. Elementary
school is 1 to 6 grade, middle school is 7 to 9 grade, high school is 10-12 grade.
College is two years, university is four years. Students must take a city test to
get into middle school and high school. Students must take a country test to get
into college or university too. Sometimes if you want to get into a university it is
very difficult.--Bing
My name is Jenny. I'm from China. In the United States and China there
are some different systems. In my country when little kids are three
through five years old, they start to go to preschool. When the kids are
usually six years old, they start to go to elementary school. The students
are there from six through twelve years old. Middle school is three years
and high school is three years. They go to school Monday through
Friday.--Jenny
In Russia, children have to go to school 10-12 years. This is a middle education.

Usually middle education is free and it is the same for boys and girls. After middle
school follows a higher education in a university, 5-6 years. In the university there are
tests to take after each year and to finish.--Aleksandr
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~lfried/writing/education4.html (1 of 5)17.10.2007 19:15:07

Education
In my country, education is very important for the people. Usually children go to

elementary school by age 7 and after 6 years, they finish. They go to middle
school for 3 years. After that, they go to high school for 3 years. Then they finish
13 years of study in school. They have to take a big test. If you pass all the tests
and the score is high, you can choose a good college. You choose what subject
you want to study. Then in three, four, or five years you can finish all the
courses. Then you can find a good job.--Xiao Li
China is the biggest country. There are many children that need to study
in elementary, middle and high school. Now it is free for children studying
in elemntary and middle school. The boys and girls are the same. In
China the school year is about nine months. The school day is five days a
week. When the students want to get into high school or college, they
need to pass a test.--Ci Dian
Japan has a different system than California. Japanese elementary school has 6
grades. Children have to go to school when they are 7 years old. First grade students
are 7 years old. Students graduate at 12 years old. Kindergarten is not included in
elementary school. Middle school is the same time, but 13 years old to 15 years old.,
and high school is too, but for 3 years. I like the California school system because I
feel all students are equal. In Japan it is more important that the teacher and the
student are compatible because the student has the same teacher every year,
sometimes until graduation.--Emi
Education is very important for people. Different countries have different policies
for education. In my country, people can get free education from elementary
school through high school. Elementary is 6 years, middle school 3 years, and
high school 3 years. After every part of school, at the end of every semester,
you have to pass a test. Then you can go to the next part. After the twelve years
of public school, students must pass a test for college or university, and they
have to pay a fee. In my country, kids all go to school five days a week. Also
there is no school in summertime (about 2 months) and two weeks of no school
in wintertime.--Amy
In my native country, elementary school is 6 years for the kids. Middle

school is 3 years and high school is 3 years too. We need to study 5 days
a week, but we have to study six days a week in high school now. If we
are level 12, we need to study a full week. Every morning the class
begins at 7:15 and goes to 11:10 am., 2:15 to 5:15 pm in the afternoon. In
the evening it is 7:10 to 8:45 pm. That is in high school, and we have a lot
of homework to do every day. I always finished at 11:00 pm.--Jason

Education
When I was a child in my native country, I studied elementary school for five years. I
came to school five days a week. I studied for 4 hours a day. The schools weren't free.
We needed to pay money for the school and they were the same for boys and girls.
We studied about nine months a year. Before in my country I had to take a test for high
school and my results for math were okay. I was happy. After that I became a soldier
in Vietnam. I didn't go to a university. That's enough about me.--Minh
I studied to level 7 in my country. We went to school only half a day, from 7 AM-
11:50 AM or 1PM-5:30 PM, 5 days a week. Thursdays and Sundays are off in
the elementary school. In middle and high school, we came 6 days a week. The
boys and girls were the same, but it wasn't free. In the elementary school I came
to school 5 years, 4 years for middle and 3 years for high school. In my country
the school year is 9 months, from September 1st to May 30.--Duc
In China, education is very important for every family. The people have to
spend very much money for the education of children. Most people let
their children go to public school. Children must finish elementary and
middle education. Then some students go to a skill college, and some
students go to high school. This is the base of a good education. If your
children hope to find a good job, they must go to a university. You will
spend four to six years studying a major. Now computer is most students'
favorite subject. They also like economics and business. Most students
want to go into business after finishing their study.--Yue Hua
Talking about education in my native country, it is almost the same as in the U.S.
Children can go to elementary school at 7 years old, for six years, middle school for 3
years and high school for 3 years and then go to college. However, we don't bring
lunch to school. In my country the school hours are about 8:00 am to 11:00 am and
1:00 to 4:00 pm. Most students go home and eat lunch. Then they go back to school
and go home for dinner. Middle school and high school students have to be at school
to study from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.--Susanna
In my country, the education is similar to here. The kids go to school the same
number of years, but in my country their parents pay some money. In my
country, children have to go to school 6 years, but here it is high school. When I
was in school in my country, I had many teachers. Some teachers were good,
some bad. I don't remember any special one, but I had a good time. I just
finished middle school in my country. Here I studied the GED and I got a
diploma. One day I want to study more, but now I just study ESL.--Maria

Education
My name is George. I think in my country it is very bad because we have

bad doctors, lawyers , and teachers. Our education is not so good. One
man is a doctor. He is only 27 years old. It's not good. We need to study
more years. In my country there is very much free time, vacations, etc.--
George
In my country, the kids begin to go to school at 7 years old. The children have to go to
school for ten years. It is the same for boys and girls. It is free. The children go to
school five days a week. They need to take a test to get into a university, college, or
high school.--Yan Hong.
In my native country, when you go to school you need to pay. The education is
all the same for boys and girls. In my native country, you have to study at night.
Daytime is for lessons. Night is for doing homework and studying by yourself.
You have to take a test to go to high school and college too.--HZ
In my country, children have to go to school for 12 years. Elementary

school is 6 years, middle school is 3 years, and high school is 3 years.
They need to pay money to study. It's all the same for boys and girls. You
need to study one class for 45 minutes. One day has 8 classes and more.
If you study in middle school and high school you always go to night
school in the last year. One week has 6 days of school. You need a test
to get into college or high school.--AK
I come from China. Children have to go to school more than 15 years in my country.
It's the same for boys and girls, but it isn't free. There are four kinds of school in my
country: Elementary school, middle school, high school, and university. If you want to
finish all those schools, you will spend more than 15 years and much money. There
are two semesters a year, and 5 days a week. Kids don't go to school on Saturday. If
people want to get into college and high school, they have to take a test.--Tracy
In my country, China, young children go to kindergarten at 3 years old. Then

when they are 6 years old, they go to elementary school and study 7 years,
including one-year preschool education After that they go to middle school for 3
years. Next they go to high school for 3 years. After that, they have to pass a
test to get into a college or university. In China, boys and girls have the same
authority to go to school, but a rich family's children can get into a private school
that is expensive. Many family's children go into a public school--Kendy

Education
In my country, children have to go to school. Boys and girls are the same.
My country has some schools that are free and some schools that are not
free. There are elementary, middle, and high schools and private schools.
For elementary school, students study 5 years, for middle school 8, and in
high school 3 years. Children go to school 5 days in one week. When you
finish high school, you can take a test for college or university. In the
university you can study 4-6 years.--Lkhagvasuren
I am from China. Children have to go to school 12 years in my country. It is the same

for boys and girls. It is not free. There are elementary schools, middle schools and
high schools, private and public. School is nine months of the year, and five days a
week. They don't go to school on Saturday. There is a test to get into college and high
school.--May
I am from China. When I was young, I didn't go to a K-9 school. All the children
were the same. Children could go to elementary school when they were 8 - 10
years old. After 6 years we went to middle school. Middle school had 2 years.
The high school had 3 years, and then if you wanted to study in college or
university, you had to take a government test. It was very hard to pass it
because for every one thousand students only one got in a college or university.
We had school on Saturday morning, but in the high school we studied in the
classroom 7 days a week, and also Monday to Friday evening, from 7 pm-9 pm
you had to review homework by yourself. Why? All the students wanted to study
in college or university That was our dream!--Zhong Yee
In my country the learning system is in the beginning, at 3-4 years,

children go to school. They learn 3 years of preschool. After that, at 7
years old, they go to elementary school. After elementary school they go
to secondary school. After that they go to high school for four years. After
four years they take an international exam. Then they take 5 exams. If
they get 75%, it's okay. They can go to a university program, for example
management, for 3-4 years, or medical doctor, for a maximum 6-7 years
of study. In comparing to S.F., there is not a big difference. Sorry--they go
to school every day except Sunday. Saturday they go to school.--
Sintayehu

Home
My name is George. I'm living in an apartment. My apartment is very small. It has only
1 bedroom, 1 living room, and 1 bathroom. My neighbors are very nice people, but
only one neighbor is very dirty. In Mexico my house is very big. It has 5 rooms. Its very
big, with a big yard and a big garden.--George
I'm from China. China houses are different from U.S. houses. In China, most
buildings are tall. People live in apartments. The apartments are almost always
over 5 floors. Some buildings are skyscrapers. They aren't for business. They
are apartment buildings. In the USA, most houses are built using wood. More
people live in houses. The houses are often two or three floors. A family lives in
a house. There is a yard and a garage.--Bo
My house is in the Sunset District. It is a single-family house. It has 3

bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room. It has a garage, a
backyard and a washing machine. I think it is very good for one family.
The housing in San Francisco is different from in my native country. In my
country, one building has many familiies living there. It's like San
Francisco's condos, because the city has too many people. It doesn't
have a lot of land to build single-family houses.--Zhong Yee
I live in a house in the Sunset. The house is small, but it is clean and beautiful, so I like
it. In my country, China, I lived in a building. It was tall and beautiful. The building had
7 or 8 floors. Many families lived in the building. It didn't have an elevator and it didn't
have a yard. It's framing was different than San Francisco's houses. The tall building
has different material for building. It used a lot of steel, brick walls, and concrete. It was
strong, but sometimes it was dangerous, for example when there were fires and
earthquakes, many people died and got hurt.--Kendy

Home
My name is Jenny. I live in the Richmond in San Francisco. I live with my

parents. My home is an apartment. It's between Clement and California. My
apartment has two bedrooms and one living room. We live on the second floor.
Downstairs there is a big public garage and washing machine. My neighbors are
nice people. I like living in my apartment. It's also a very clean and beautiful
place. The houses in San Francisco and my country are very different. I like San
Francisco houses.--Jenny
In my country, I lived in an apartment in a city. Our neighborhood was

very friendly but crowded, and sometimes noisy because some neighbors
had many children. They made noise when they played outside. In San
Francisco, I live in a house in a quiet district. It has a big backyard but the
house inside is smaller. The neighbors are mostly nice, but one neightbor
has a dog. Sometimes it barks all the time and bothers me. Otherwise it is
very safe there. I can enjoy beautiful views of the sunset.--Amy
I have a house in the Sunset District. It is a very nice house. We have six rooms, a big
backyard, and a garage. We planted a lot of trees and flowers, like apple trees,
oranges, and peaches. Also we have some grass. I enjoy planting some things in the
backyard very much. In the kitchen, we have a washing machine and dryer. They are
very convenient. I like it very much, but in China it is very different. There are a lot of
condos there. So many people live in the same building they use the public stairway.--
Xiao Li
I do not own a house. I just rent a house. I live on the second floor. There are
three bedrooms, one living room, and a dining room. The garage is on the first
floor. There is a washing machine and a dryer there. I live with my wife and two
sons. In my country, I lived in an apartment. There were four bedrooms, two
living rooms, but no garden or garage. The house was bigger and brighter. I
liked it.--Ci Dian
I live here in an apartment in the Richmond. My neighborhood is quiet,

safe and clean. The neighbors are very polite and I feel pleased, although
sometimes I feel homesick for my house in my native country. I remember
my garden and spending time planting flowers and taking care of them
because here I don't have a garden. I like the beautiful Victorian houses
of San Francisco. This is different from the other cities of the U.S.,
because in other places you don't see similar architecture.--Carmen
I live in a house. It has five rooms. There are three big rooms, a living room, and a
kitchen in the house. Five people live in it. It has a backyard, but it's too small. I don't
know my neighbors. My neighborhood is noisy.--Yan Hong.

Home
My neighbors are all good. They sometimes give my son snacks, and they are
very kind. Also I like my neighborhood very much because I see the sunset
every evening, but the price is too expensive. Yesterday my son's favorite
tricycle was stolen. My son was crying. I got angry. He probably won't get back
the tricycle.--Emi
I live in a house in South San Francisco. My house has three bedrooms,

three bathrooms, two living rooms, one dining room, a garage, and a
backyard. My family is my son, daughterin-law, grandson, grandaughter,
and my wife. Now this house is bigger and nicer than a Hong Kong
apartment.--Keihung
I have a house. It is a two-story house. The main floor has a garage and family room.
The second floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen and two bedrooms. It has a
big deck in the back and it has a big and nice backyard. I love it very much. We can
play basketball over there. It has a garden around the yard. We planted two Japanese
maple trees and bamboo, a plum tree, orchids and some chrysanthemums. It is in the
Sunset. Across the street is Golden Gate Park. We can walk around the beach and
see the Pacific Ocean.--Susanna
I live in an apartment in San Francisco. I have three rooms and a small kitchen. I
live with my wife. I have open parking next to the apartment building. I don't
have a yard, but around the apartment building there is a small garden. The
apartment building has two washing machine rooms. I lived in an old city. I lived
in an apartment and had two rooms and a kitchen. One room was very large. In
my native country they didn't build a garage in the buildings. Usually the garage
was separate. My rooms had a tall ceiling, about 5 meters.--Aleksandr
I live in San Francisco. My neighborhood is the Richmond. I live in an

apartment. I have 3 rooms; two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a
bathroom. Three people live in it, my husband, son, and I, and my cat. I
have a big garage and a small yard. I don't have a washing machine. This
is very bad. In my native country I had a house. It was much bigger than
my apartment in S.F. I don't know my neighbors. I like my neighborhood,
the Richmond.--Laura
I live in an apartment in S.F. It has 2 rooms. My wife and I and our 2 children live in the
apartment. It doesn't have a garage. It doesn't have a yard. In my native country my
house was bigger. My neighbors were friendly. My neighborhood is the Western
Addition. My neighborhood is quiet.--Manuchar.

Home
I live in an apartment. My apartment has a kitchen, living room, and one

bedroom. There are four people living there. We have a garage, washing
machine and backyard. I know my neighbors. I think everything is good in my
neighborhood. In my native country I lived in an apartment. Some people live in
an apartment and some people live in a house, but there's not any rent. Usually
every family has a garage and washing machine. Along with the house, the
family has a very big yard and everybody knows each other.--Lkhagvasuren
I live in an apartment in San Francisco. In my country, I lived in a house.

San Francisco and my country are very different. In San Francisco it is
very crowded and there is no free place. In my country there are many
free places. In my native country I had 2 bedrooms, one living room, and
one kitchen and a big yard. I liked it. The place in San Francisco has the
same rooms but it has a hall and they are small rooms. Anyhow, it is
comfortable. It is good. I hope in the future I will change my apartment. I
hope this is a good idea.--Sintayehu
I live in a flat here. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 living room and 1 dining room. It has a garage
and a backyard too. In my native country, we had an apartment. It had 3 bedrooms, 1
living room, and 1 dining room also, but it didn't have a garage or yard. In my country,
only the houses have garages and yards, but they are very expensive. I like to live in
San Francisco because the plants in the yard make me feel glad.--Tracy.
I'm Duc. I live in an apartment. It has 2 rooms. There are four people living in it,
but it doesn't have a garage and a yard. It doesn't have a washing machine. The
apartment is very different from my native country. In my country, my house had
three stories and there was a garden on the terrace. I don't know my neighbors,
but it is very convenient in my neighborhood.--Duc
I live in a house. It has 4 rooms and 6 people live in it. It has a garage, a
yard, and a washing machine. Before, in my native country, the house
didn't have a garage, a yard, or a washing machine. My neighborhood is
very quiet and safe, different from in my native country. But in my country,
you could go anywhere if you wanted and here I can't. In the evening in
my native country, a lot of people walked on the street and they rode
motorcycles.--Minh

Home
I live in an apartment in San Francisco. It has three rooms. It has a garage and
washing machine. I think it is okay because we don't have much furniture, and I live in
a very convenient place. There are many grocery stores and there is a street near
where there are a lot of restaurants with many different kinds of food. It doesn't have a
yard. I miss my apartment in Mexico because it is bigger than San Francisco
apartments. It has a yard, a garden, and the most important thing is I own it. I really
really miss my apartment and my neighbors and my neighborhood.--Elizabeth
I'm going to talk about my apartment. I like my apartment here, because it is a

good place. We have 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 living room. In my house
there are 4 people, my aunt, uncle, the baby and me. We don't have a washing
machine but we have a garage and a yard. We don't use the garage because
we need to pay money for it. My uncle parks his car outside in the street. We
don't use the yard because it's too ugly. We don't like it.--Maria

Food
Chinese food is different than American food. In China many people cook rice, eat
many vegetables, and eat less meat. Many snacks are cooked by steaming. It is better
for health, so my favorite food is Chinese food. I like to eat fruit. San Francisco has
more fruit than my native country. I like to eat bananas more than apples.--Bing
I like the food in San Francisco but it is not for American food. It's because in
San Francisco there are many kinds of restaurants with food of the world. I
tasted many kinds of food that I have never tasted in my country. I tasted Thai
food, Indian food, Peruvian food, Greek food, Vietnamese food, and French
food. In San Francisco this was new for me and I liked it. In San Francisco I
made Mexican food, but the taste is very different from Mexico. I don't know why
beause the ingredients are the same. It's because of that that we like to eat out
in different restaurants from different countries. If we like that food, we come
back; like Thai food--I love it.--Elizabeth
I like to eat food that tastes good. When I was eight years old my family
already started to teach me how to cook. Now I feel I make good Chinese
food. When I have free time, I will cook special food for my family.
Sometimes I have a party with a lot of my friends. We make different style
good food that everybody likes. I make a lot of food and they feel very
good. I like my country's food because I feel it is usually fresher. We live
in San Francisco. We are really lucky. San Francisco has different styles
of food from many countries.--Jenny

Food
I'm from Si Chuan Province, China. Si Chuan's food is special food in China. It has Si
Chuan peppers for a hot and spicy taste. Many people like to eat Si Chuan peppers in
a chafing dish. Mix a lot of Si Chuan peppers and other spices in a soup. When it
cooks to a boil, put some meat and vegetables over them. It has a very good taste.
Many people eat the food to get their body all sweaty. It's very hot, but they like it very
much. In San Francisco I like to eat peppery tasting food too. I cook dinner and put a
few peppers into the meat or vegetables every day. Sometimes, I take my son to La
Mei Zi restaurant. It has peppery tasting food and it looks like my hometown's food. I
like to eat it.--Kendy
Food is very important for people. Everybody needs it. Some food is good for
your health but some food is bad for your health. In my family, we like fish more
than beef because white meat is much better than red meat. Also, fruits and
vegetables are good food so every day when I cook, I always make more
vegetables than meat. Sometimes we cook American food like spaghetti. That's
my favorite food.--Xiao Li
When I came to the U.S., I discovered some food that I never ate before,
for example, persimmons. Also I tasted Thai food. This food is from
Thailand and is different and very delicate. Both seem delicious to me. In
this country we can find many unusual foods. It is good to have the
experience and to know what the people in other places of the world eat. I
enjoy cooking for my family and always like to surprise them. However, it
is very nice to go to all the restaurants here because San Francisco is a
gourmet city.--Carmen
First of all, I don't like to do any cooking because I have no experience. Sometimes I
cook in my home. Many times I ate at the home of my brother's wife. She cooked. I
don't like restaurant food because it is not good for your health. It has too many
calories, too much fat, and anyhow it is not good. In my country the favorite food for
me is ketefo and genfo. In San Francisco I ate broccoli and Chinese food for the first
time.--Sintayehu
I hate to cook, but I have to cook because in my country most women cook for
their families. I usually cook dumplings. To make them, chop some meat and
vegetables and then put them in a round pasta. You must close them tightly and
put them in boiling water to boil. When it is done, you can eat it with some
sauce. It is very delicious. I like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The special
vegetables like artichokes I like very much. In my country I never ate that food.
Also, I like to eat pizza. We do not eat at a restaurant often. Sometimes we have
to eat at a restaurant. We mostly eat in a Chinese restaurant since we know
how to order.--Amy

Food
I like to cook every day. I cook Mexican food. In my country the food is
very spicy. I like fresh fruits and vegetables. I eat them very much
because I have stomach trouble. I don't have a favorite restaurant. I don't
like to eat in a restaurant because I think they are very dirty. I don't like
American food but I like Chinese food.--George
I like to cook. When I cook, the food is good but sometimes not. I cook Mexican food,
albondigas, tacos, soup, etc. The special food in my country is tacos. I like some fruits
and vegetables. In my country I never saw persimmons--only here. My favorite
restaurant is a Chinese restaurant. The name is "Three Immortals." I like Chinese
food, American food and Indian food, but I don't like Japanese food.--Maria
I like my native country's food and usually eat it in S.F. I like milk products: curds
with sour cream or honey. Also I like meat products: beef, pork and lamb with
fried potatoes, mushrooms and vegetables. My favorite fruits are grapes,
apples, and grapefruit. My favorite restaurant is "Old Ireland" on the corner of
Geary Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue. Before I came to San Francisco, I
didn't eat shrimp and bass, a fish.--Aleksandr
My family sometimes goes to a Thai restaurant now, because it is not like

Japanese food. It smells good. There are some herbs in it. I enjoy eating
food from all over the world in S.F. and in my native city too. I don't want
to eat any fish in S.F. It tastes bad to me, so sushi in S.F. is not good. I
have never eaten delicious sushi in S.F. One Japanese special food is
called osechiryori. It's made at home but nowadays many people buy it.
Starting on December 29th we prepare it for the New Year.--Emi
I like to cook, but my family always said the food that I cooked is very terrible, so I
seldom cook now. Beijing Duck is my native country's special food. It's very delicious. I
like it very much. I also like fresh fruits and vegetables, but I don't like fish, because it
has many bones. There are many kinds of fruit here. I never ate cherries before I came
here.--Tracy
I'm Duc. I came to S.F. 2 years ago. My wife usually cooks for me and I don't
like to cook. The 7 courses of beef are special food in my country. I like fresh
fruits and vegetables more than frozen. I never ate peaches and broccoli before
I came to San Francisco. My favorite restaurants are Chinese and Vietnamese
restaurants. I don't like to eat sushi and pizza, but I like to eat fried chicken.--Duc

Food
I am from South China. If you want to know about the food in Chinese
restauraunts, and what kind of food you like or you don't like, you should
know the food from South China and North China is very different. In
South China, the weather is so hot the people like eating fresh
vegetables, seafood and fresh meat. They want to taste light food. They
don't like spicy food but they like fried and toasted food. In North China,
the weather is so cold. The people like some heavy spicy food. They also
like spicy soup. If you want to go to a Chinese restaurant, first you must
know what kind of food you like or don't like. Second, you can make sure
whether it is a South or North Chinese restaurant.--Zhong Yee
My name is Minh Nguyen. I came to the U.S. in 2003. In my country there were a lot of
fruits and vegetables but they were very cheap. My favorite food is Vietnamese food. I
don't like to eat fast food. Sometimes I cook Vietnamese food. I like to go to a
Vietnamese restaurant. Before I came to San Francisco, I never ate fast food. Some
fruits and vegetables are different in my country. I think the fruits and vegetables here
are very expensive. Sometimes I like to go to a Chinese restaurant. I never ate a
peach before I came here.--Minh
I am from China. I like Chinese food in China. There was a different kind of food
there. It is famous for four kinds of food. In S.F. there are many Chinese
restaurants but restaurants in China were more delicious than these restaurants.
I also have seafood and Japanese food. It is interesting for me. I think the
Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant is spicy.--Bo
Food is very important for people. People need food every day. In my
native country, people always eat seasonal vegetables and fruits. In San
Francisco many supermarkets have a lot of different kinds and colors of
vegetables and fruits. It is very easy for us to find special food to eat. We
can taste the different styles of different countries' food; Japanese food,
Italian food, Indian food, Vietnamese food, Thai food, and of course
Chinese food--dim sum tea house restaurant and traditional Chinese
food.--Susanna

Interview 5
My partners' name is Duc. He's a young man. He's from Vietnam. He likes to go
shopping at Albertson's and Macy's. Sometimes Duc likes to go to malls. He usually
shops for clothes, shoes and other things. He likes to go to second-hand stores more
because their prices are cheap. Duc knows how to drive. He has a driver license. He
doesn't have a car, but he will buy a car.--Bing
My partner's name is Halima. She's from France. She just came to San
Francisco only two weeks ago. She doesn't like shopping. She feels shopping is
a waste of time so she doesn't spend too much time shopping. She thinks
shopping at garage sales and second-hand stores is a good idea because the
prices are not expensive. Halima has a car in her country. It's a small French
Peugeot 206. It's a very popular car in her country. In her country the car is a
general tool. Many people have cars.--Jenny
My partner's name is Jenny. She is a nice woman who came to the States
from China 3 years ago. In her country, she could drive her car, a small
Toyota. In California, she has a permit to drive, but she doesn't do it,
because she doesn't have a car yet. In her free time, she likes shopping
in malls when she has money, and she likes to go to garage sales or
second-hand stores because she can find cheap things. She likes to
watch English or Chinese movies so much. Then she tends to rent videos
when there are bad programs on TV.
My partner's name is Owen. He is a new student and a young boy. He just came to
San Francisco two weeks ago so everything is new for him. Owen doesn't like
shopping. He is lucky his mother and sister buy clothes for him. He knows how to
drive. He learned in his native country, China. In China many people like Japanese
small cars. He likes to watch love movies and funny movies.--Susanna

Interview 5
My partner's name is Amy. She's from Taiwan. She's very kind. She has a good
family. Her two sons all have good jobs. Amy lives with her husband. They are
very happy. Amy is retired. Now she studies English every day. She doesn't like
to go shopping, but sometimes she goes shopping at Stonestown or Ross
because the clothes or other things are cheaper than other stores. Amy has a
silver car. She usually drives the car and takes her husband out on the
weekend. Sometimes they go to a movie theater or to the park. Amy likes to
clean her house. She is a very neat person. She often stays home and watches
TV in the evening.--Kendy
My partner's name is Emi. She doesn't like shopping. She usually buys
food at Andronico's. It's not a big store. She buys clothes at Macy's and
she likes to go to Stonestown. Emi has a Toyota and she likes to drive it.
She said all the people have a car and the kind of car in her country is
Nissan and Honda. She likes to watch romantic movies and she likes to
rent videos, watch TV, and go to the theater.--Soad
My partner's name is Susanna. She likes to go shopping and usually goes shopping at
Sunset Super and Costco. She doesn't go to garage sales and second-hand stores,
but she goes to malls. She doesn't have a car but she can drive. She learned to drive
in America. She doesn't know what the popular kind of car is, or how many people
have cars in her native country. She likes to watch movies and TV. The kind of movies
are Hong Kong movies. Sometimes, she will go to a movie theater and watch movies
in English and her native language. She always watched movies in her native country.--
Owen
My partner's name is Kendy. She came from China and has been in S.F. only
one year. She likes shopping for clothes because she likes looking for new style
things. She always shops at Ross or Stonestown shopping mall. She dislikes
second-hand stores because she doesn't know where those things came from.
She doesn't have a car yet and didn't have a car in her country either, but she
has a license already. In her native country, China, only the rich people can
have their own car, but there are a lot of taxis around the streets. She watches
movies more in S.F. She likes the kind of movies like love, history, and
detectives. She alwyas rents videos and enjoys them in her home.--Amy
My partner's name is Yue Hua. She is from China. She likes to go

shopping. She usually shops for food and clothes in Chinatown stores
and Cala Food. She doesn't know about garage sales and second hand
stores because she came to the USA recently. She doesn't have a car
here, but she had a car in her country. In her country, the favorite cars are
from Japanese factories.--Aleksandr

Interview 5
My partner's name is Aleksandr. He doesn't like to go shopping because he is a man.

He likes cars. Sometimes he needs to buy some food so he goes to Costco. The store
is very nice and cheap. My partner has a car. The car's name is Neon, and the color is
green. He says he learned how to drive in his native country so the test for the driver
license was very easy in S.F. Aleksandr says Lada cars are popular in his native
countrhy. The car is made in Russia. It's very beautiful and convenient. He likes it, but I
have never seen it. I want to go to Russia to see the country and the car.--Yue Hua
My partner's name is Soad. She is from Kuwait. She likes to go shopping. She
usually goes to Albertson's for food and for clothes she goes to Ross. She
sometimes goes to garage sales. She likes to go to Serramonte. She has a car
here but in her country she didn't have one. In her country many kinds of cars
are popular. Many people have a car. She likes to watch movies. She likes
action movies, dance movies, and movies for kids. She saw the movies in two
languages, her language and English. She rents videos and goes to the theater.
When she was in her country, she liked to see movies on TV, in the theater, and
by renting.--Maria
My partner's name is Tracy. She is a young girl. Although she doesn't like
to go shopping, she needs to go shopping to buy some food for her family
because her mother and father are busy at work. Tracy doesn't like
second hand things. She worries they aren't clean. Tracy doesn't have a
car because she is a newcomer. She doesn't have a job. She is a
student. In her native country, she always rode a bike. Tracy' s native
country is China. In China, only some rich people have a car, but cars are
always new and beautiful--Ci Dian
My partner's name is Zhong Yee. He likes to go shopping at Macy's or Ross.

Sometimes he takes his children to Stonestown to the bookstores to read books or
goees to Blockbuster to rent some videos. He likes to watch Chinese and English TV
with the children. He has a nice car--a Toyota Camry. He can go everywhere. It is very
convenient for him to go to work and to go shopping or to the supermarket, but when
he was in China, he didn't have a car. That was only for the rich people, but in
America, everybody can have a car.--Xiao Li

Interview 5
My partner's name is Bing. He's from China. He usually goes to Chinatown to

buy food and clothes. Sometimes he goes to garage sales. He goes to the
Stonestown Mall, but he doesn't go to second-hand stores because he thinks
second-hand things are not good. He doesn't have a car, but he has a drive
licence and learned in the United States of America. He didn't have a car in his
country. In his native country there are few cars and they are just for rich people.
He didn't like to watch movies in his country and he doesn't like to watch them
here.--Bing
My partner's name is Jason. He likes to go shopping for clothes. He

doesn't shop for food or other things. He never goes to garage sales. He
doesn't like to go to second-hand stores because he also likes new
clothes. He doesn't have a car and in his country he didn't have one
either. He doesn't know how to drive. He likes to watch action movies.
Soemtimes he watches in English and he watches in Chinese too. He
never went to a movie theater. He watched movies when he was a child
in his country. That's about mhy classmate Jason. He's very funny.--Minh
My partner's name is Minh. He doesn't like to go shopping for food. He never goes to
garage sales and malls but he likes to go to second-hand stores because they
sometimes have new things. He doesn't have a car but he had a motorcycle in his
country. He knows how to drive. He learned in his country. He likes to watch Law and
Order on TV. He someties watches movies in English. He doesn't rent any videos. He
just watches on TV or maybe goes to a movie theater.--Jason
My partner's name is Maria. She is Mexican so she always buys things in the
Mission except for clothes. For clothes she goes to Ross. She told me "Ross is
the very cheapest." I want to try Ross next time. She doesn't have a car but she
will drive in the future. She has a plan. She wants to learn from an uncle and
she will get a big car.--Emi
My partner's name is Ci Dian. He doesn't like to go shopping, but he has

to. Sometimes he goes to garage sales and malls, but he never goes to
second-hand stores because he thinks that the things at the used stores
may be dirty. He has a car. It's a Nissan Centra. In his native country,
Japanese cars are popular, but just rich people have cars. He likes to
watch movies in his native language. He often rents videos and watches
them on TV. Sometimes he watched movies when he was in his native
country.--Tracy

Interview 5
My partner's name is Bo. He sometimes goes to Target to buy something. He never

goes to garage sales. He doesn't go to second-hand stores because he doesn't like
that. He had a car in his country. He doesn't like to watch movies. He sometimes
watches TV in English.--Yan Hong
My partner's name is Yan Hong. She likes to go shopping. She usually goes to
New World Supermarket and buys some meat and vegetables. She likes to go
to Target and buy some clothes. She enjoys going shopping. She especially
likes going to the mall because there are a lot of things and you can choose, but
she doesn't like to go to garage sales and second-hand stores. She doesn't like
used things, so she never goes to buy anything there.
My partner's name is Xiao-Li. She usually shops for food at Super Sunset
store. She sometimes goes to garage sales and goes to Stonestown
shopping mall, but she doesn't like to go to second-hand stores. She
usually rents videos to watch on TV and goes to a movie theater too. She
likes to watch movies both in English and in her native language. She
also watched movies when she was in her native country.--Zhong Yee.

Introductions
My partner's name is Natsenet. She is from Eritrea. She works in a store, but she'd like
to work as a photographer. She is not married. She has been in San Francisco for only
three months. Her English is good. She likes her native country's food.--Basel
My partner's name is Basel. He is from Syria. He is 24 years old and he has

family in San Francisco. He is working five days a week. He has been living
here since 2001. He lives with his family. His first language is Arabic. He wants
to speak English very well. He is single.--Natsenet
My partner's name is Paul. He came from China alone. His country is big,
famous, and has a very long, interesting history. He studied English in his
native country at school. He has lived in the U.S. for four years and has
studied English at John Adams for four years. He is working now. His
hobbies are various; mostly he likes to play basketball. He likes to watch
TV in the English language. He has lived in the Richmond for all four
years. His aunt likes to cook for him. Sometimes he likes to eat at a
Chinese restaurant that is located between 4th and 5th Avenue on Balboa
in the Richmond.--Tanya
My partner's name is Daisy. She lives alone. She's from China and she lives in North
Beach. Her country has a lot of people, nice and friendly people. She has lived here in
San Francisco about four years. When I asked her about Japanese food, she told me
she likes it a little bit. She cooks for herself, of course, since she lives alone! She
works with a family and she knows a lot of things about Brazil.--Marcus
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~lfried/writing/introductions3.html (1 of 5)17.10.2007 19:15:17

Introductions
My partner's name is Paul. He came from China too. He came to S.F. in 2000
and he came alone. He likes his native city, Tai San. He studied English for four
years in his native country. He has been studying English in John Adams since
2000. He really likes to play table tennis in his spare time. He likes to exercise a
lot and likes to watch TV in English and Chinese. He lives in the Richmond. He
likes his neighborhood. Also, he didn't live in a different neighborhood. He's not
a cook in his family. He doesn't know how to cook.--Danny
My partner's name is Giovanna. She came from Italy. She has lived in
California for one year. She came to California with her dog. Her dog's
name is Jilla. They love each other very much. She has lived alone in
Noe Valley in a 3-bedroom apartment. She worked in her native country
as an architect.--Lilianna
My partner's name is Lilianna. She has been in S. F. for four years. She moved from
Russia with her husband. She studied for two years at the university, but she
translated and didn't speak. She has been studying at John Adams school for three
semesters. She likes studying. She isn't working now, but she worked in her country as
an engineering geologist. She doesn't have spare time, because she has to take care
of her home and her daughter's. She doesn't watch TV but when she meets her
friends, she likes playing chess and bridge. She lives in S.F. and she cooks for her
family and she likes Italian cuisine.--Giovanna
My partner's name is Karla. She's from El Salvador. She has been here about
ten years. She lives in San Francisco and works in a furniture company. She
has studied English in John Adams about two years and she also learned
English in her native country, but not so much--just a little. She likes Chinese
food and she likes to cook at home.--Jan
My partner's name is Jan. She's from China. She has been here since
2002. She came with her family. She studied English in her country, and
she has been studying English for four years. She is working in a
drycleaner's Monday to Saturday. She lives in the Sunset. She doesn't
cook, but her mother does. Her favorite restaurant is a Japanese
restaurant. She like sushi and vegetables a lot. One thing I forgot to put is
that she likes to swim.--Karla

Introductions
My partner's name is Lisa. She is from China. She's been in the U.S. for 5 years. Lisa
came to San Francisco with her family. She is married and has 2 children, a 10-year-
old son and a 13-year-old daughter. She did not learn English before coming here, and
she has been studying English in John Adams campus for 1 year. She is a working
woman. She makes belts in a little factory in S.F. She worked in China as a cashier at
a restaurant. She likes to watch TV, mostly Chinese movies, and American comedies.
She is very nice and friendly.--Natalie
My partner's name is Natalie. She came from Lithuania. It's near Russia. She
came here with her family. She studied English for 2 years in her country at a
college. She has two children, one son and one daughter. She came to S.F. 18
months ago. Now, she lives in the Richmond. She used to live in the Sunset
District for 1 year. She works at a health center. Her hobbies are reading and
listening to the radio. She played the piano in her country and her husband
played the violin. She is a beautiful lady. She is nice and friendly.--Lisa
My partner's name is Wen. I knew her from last semester. We sat close to
each other in another class and now we sit close to each other again. She
came to the United States from China almost 4 years ago. She has a
family, a husband and one fourteen-year-old daughter. She is such a nice
and smart girl, Wen is very proud. Everybody in her family can speak
English except her, but I think it's not a very big problem. I'm not fluent in
English either. Maybe it's fate, because we became good friends, and I
was really glad to see her again. Maybe it's double fate, because she has
a job close to the place where I live right now. Every time when I walk
down the street and see her we always say a big "Hi" to each other.--
Elmira
My partner's name is Elmira. She's been in S.F. for 1-1/2 years. She's from
Turkmenistan. She lives with her family. She's studied English since she was a teen in
high school in her country. She had a job here, but she wants to be working on an
airplane. Her parents can't speak English. They speak Russian and their country
language at home. She and I have taken the same class since last semester. I know
her English is better than mine, especially for listening and speaking.--Wen Rong
My partner's names are Kimberly and David. They come from China, but they
don't speak the same language. Kimberly came from China 10 years ago, and
David has been here 5 years. He studied English a little bit. She had never
studied English in her native country.--Creuza

Introductions
My partner's name is Marcus. He's from Brazil. He lives with his uncle. He
came to the USA in June. His country's people love to play soccer, but he
doesn't. He likes to run and use the Internet. He's never studied English
in school, but his English is very good. I think he is a smart guy. He
studied English from TV. He likes Japanese food, Brazilian food, and
Chinese food. He likes to cook with his uncle (just Brazilian food). He
knows how to use chopsticks. He told me his country's people are very
friendly. His country is very beautiful.--Daisy
My partner's name is Creuza. She has been in San Francisco 4 years. She came from
Brazil. She never studied English in her country. She's been studying English at John
Adams since 2000. She wants to improve her English to get a better job.--Kimberly
My partner's name is Kathy. She has been here since February this year, and
came from Guanzhou, China. She came here with her family. She's studied
English at John Adams for several months and works as a saleswoman
downtown. She likes to use the Internet on the computer and watch TV in her
spare time. Her mom usually cooks for her family. She lives in the Sunset and
she thinks the Sunset is a good neighborhood.--Mandy
My partner's name is Mandy. She has lived in San Francisco for two
years. She's working in a hotel now. She loves her job very much. She
likes to do some shopping in her spare time, and sometimes she likes to
watch TV at home. She likes English movies. A Japanese restaurant is
her favorite restaurant. She said she likes the sushi best of all.--Xiao Yun
My partner's name is May. She is a cashier in a restaurant. She is working during the
day. She likes to swim. She came to San Francisco with her family. She has lived in
the Sunset District on 20th Avenue for one year and a half. She is a very beautiful
Asian girl. She didn't want to tell me her age, but I guess she is 23 years old. She likes
to laugh.--Giuliane
My partner's name is Danny. He came to San Francisco in July, 2000. He came

alone. He likes China's landscape. He studied English in TaiSan, China, for 6
years. He has studied English at John Adams since 2000 because he wants to
improve his English. He wants to get a good job. In his spare time he also likes
to play pool, and his hobby is smoking cigarettes. He likes to exercise, for
example: soccer, ping pong, and tennis. He also likes to watch English and
Chinese programs too. He lives in the Sunset. He didn't live in a different place.
His mother cooks in his family. He doesn't like to cook. He eats out twice a
week.--Paul

Introductions
My partner's name is Bond. He came from Ching Sa Quong Tong. Now

he lives in the Sunset. He goes to work in just two minutes. After work he
comes to school to learn English at John Adams. I meet him four days a
week, every evening in the class.--Pho
My partner's name is Pho. He works at a restaurant in S.F. He has been living in S.F.
for 13 years. He is single. He said being single has more freedom. I felt he was lying
because he just has had one girlfriend. Before he moved to the U.S. he had lived in
South China near Vietnam. Now he works very hard. He doesn't have a day off at all.
He spends all his free time studying English. I said, if you won all the money but have
no health, you have nothing.--Bond

Working at the Bank Story Endings
Write an Ending to the Story Working at the Bank.
The man said, "I'm sorry about that, but I'm not a thief." The guards saw the note and
they knew that it was a mistake. Then I said sorry to the man. The man said, "Why
didn't you read the note before you hit the alarm button? Is it because I look like a
thief?"--Kathy
Just a second. I was watching the guards holding the man and taking him to the
office. Then I yelled, "Wait. Wait." to them. The guards turned to me and said,
"What's wrong?" I said, "I'm sorry, I just wasn't careful of the alarm button. He's
my friend. We have a date today." The guards asked me, "Are you friends?" I
said, "Yes, we are." The man smiled at me and said, "Of course we are."--Wen
Rong
They thought the woman was so scared because she saw a lot of police
movies before she started the job.--Pedro
I guess in this situation the guards will put the man next to the wall and look in the
man's pocket, but they will not find anything from the man. Of course, the guards will
let the man go.--Danny
I was so shocked and right away I went to the guards to tell them he is not a
robber, he is a lover. I showed them the note. They read the note and they were
laughing. The guard told him to go. I apologized to him.--Battur
The police asked the lady, "Why did you hit the alarm?" She said, "I
thought he was a robber." Then the police said to the man, "We're sorry,"
and they left. Then the supervisor helped the man and he left.--Daisy
As soon as she read the note, she told the guard, "Let him free. Everything was a
misunderstanding. I thought he was a robber but he isn't. Then she told him, "I'll accept
your invitation and I'm so sorry for confusing you with a robber, but when I pushed the
alarm, I didn't know what the note said."--Aminadub
I said, "Thank you for the invitation, but I'm sorry, I'm busy today. Let's postpone
it for another day. Is that okay?"--Tanya
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~lfried/writing/bankending3.html (1 of 4)17.10.2007 19:15:19

At that moment the whole bank was full of police. When I read the note I
started to laugh, and nobody could understand what happened to me. I
showed everybody that note, and the police left, but before they left they
gave me a ticket. That was a good lesson for my whole life. How about
that man? He is a really good person. Now we are married and have two
beautiful kids. We fell in love and we always remember that story. It is
very funny and really unusual.--Kseniya
"Thank you, it's a good idea. I'm sorry, I'm working right now. I must not go out of the
work place. When I have a day off or free time, I can have lunch with you."--Oyungerel
I was very embarrassed about that situation. I always think bad things will
happen when I'm working, like a robbery, but I never imagined a person would
ask me to go to lunch this way. I apologized to the poor man, but I didn't go out
for lunch with him because I don't like to go out with clients.--Guiliane
She was so ashamed and her face got red like a tomato but she didn't
lose her brain. So finally she said to the man, who was in shock, "That
was not the first time that a good-looking man did that to me, but the sad
thing was that they always run away after giving me the letter. So just in
case it will not happen like this again, I "called" the guards!:)--Nathalie
I was very sad. I went to the guards and showed them the note. They smiled and let
this man go. This man met me after my job and we went together to the restaurant for
dinner.--Lilianna
After that, the guards left the man and the lady. She said to the man, "I am so
sorry." and she put a piece of paper under the teller window. It said, "What time
would you like to go?"--Basel
The man yelled, "I am not a robber. I just want to say, Would you have
lunch with me?" The guard was confused. "What's going on?" She said,
"I'm sorry, he is not a robber. That's my mistake." The guard left them
after that. They agreed to have lunch together.--Natsenet
"Yes, thank you sir." I was surprised about his note and I accepted with enthusiasm
because at first I thought he was a robber, but instead he was a gentleman. His
behavior was mysterious, and I like everything that is a mystery. I read a lot of mystery
books and watch mystery movies so I was happy to have dinner with the unusual man
and I was interested in knowing about his personality.--Giovanna

I sat down in my chair and wiped my sweat from my forehead. Fortunately, the
man wasn't a robber. He was a homeless man and just wanted a lunch, but I
thought I needed to find another job because luck isn't always with me.--Bond
"I have made a big mistake," she said to herself. At that moment, the man
saw her and she gave the piece of paper to the police. The police took
the man to the police station.--Victor
I was so sorry for the mistake but unfortunately the man got very scared too and never
came back to the bank. I think I lost my future husband. I promised myself I'd never
make this mistake again, acting before reading the note.--Maria
Everybody laughed. I felt very embarrassed and apologized to him. He smiled

and said, "That's okay. This is a good exercise. You got experience in how to
catch a robber. Don't be scared." "Why did you invite me to have lunch with you
even though I don't know you? Who are you? " "You are so pure, so beautiful. I
can't help myself. Would you have lunch with me?" I looked around and said,
"Yes."--Feng Tran
When I read the note, I looked up at him and turned red. I was so
embarrassed at that time. After that, I explained to the guards that it was
a big mistake. I asked the man to please forgive me, and we went to have
a fun lunch.--Karla
Naturally, the man would like to invite the teller to go to lunch with him, but the teller
was thinking that man was a robber so she pushed the button for security. I think in my
opinion the man would like to ask her to go out with him because he likes her. He
really wanted to go out with her, but she got so scared I don't think she wants to go out
with him, or he might try to explain it to her.--Jennie
This incident showed me that I've been prepared for an emergency situation
since I started working as a teller in the bank. But I've never met a robber and I
have seen the same situation at the movies.--Yuriy
After I read the note, I apologized to the man. "Sorry, I thought you were a
robber." The man said, "Don't worry. I don't mind. Would you have lunch
with me?" I said, "Thank you, but I'm having lunch with my boss because
today is my first day working in a bank."--Li Peng

I think the man is single. He is alone. He wants to meet a girlfriend. One day he saw a
beautiful girl working at the bank. He thought he would invite her to eat lunch, but he
couldn't say that in the bank. He just wrote down the sentence on the note, and then
came in to the teller window and gave the note to her.--Paul

Jobs
Write About Jobs
In China now it is very difficult for people to find a job. Even if you finished college and
you want to find a good job, it is also not easy. Women usually retire at the age of
about 45. Men work longer. They usually retire at about 60 years old. Twenty-five
years ago, I remember many jobs were waiting for people, but you couldn't choose one
over the other, you couldn't quit your job, and your boss couldn't fire you easily. Now,
everything has changed so much. You can do anything that you want to do.--Wen
In my country, I was working at two part-time jobs. I worked for the government
in Health Care, training new employees with computer system programs. In the
other job, I was working in the Human Resources Department of a multinational
company in telecommunications. I was doing admission, training, and dismissal
of employees. In the U.S. I'm a full-time babysitter.--Giuliane
"What kind of job am I looking for?" I ask myself all the time. I came to the
U.S. and I got my first job. I was so excited about that. Now I'm working in
the Health Center with old people. I really like working with people, doing
something useful for all those people, but to be honest, I understand it's
not me. Suddenly all my excitement is gone. When I was a child I had a
dream. I dreamed of being a flight attendant and that dream is still in my
mind. My friends are starting to recommend that I be a nurse or in
medicine because they said I can make good money all the time. For a
while, I was confused a bit, but one day I decided for myself. I would like
to be a flight attendant and that's it! Now my mother said, "Follow your
heart. It's a good job, good money, but most important--that you really like
it!" And I think it's better when you get great pleasure from your work
every day than making big money from work which you don't like.--Elmira
In my country I worked for the government. In the U.S., I have had different jobs. I
worked as a nanny for three years. Now I am working hard because I'm doing house
cleaning.--Creuza

Jobs
I'm Mongolian. I'm a teacher and psychologist. I worked at a high school in my

country. My job was very interesting. I like my profession and I like working with
children very much. I wanted to be a journalist when I was a child. Unfortunately,
I can't work in my profession in San Francisco. I'm a pastry chef in a Russian
bakery. Before I had liked to cook, so it was easy to work in a bakery. I think if a
person likes his job, it's more important than getting a lot of money.--Oyungerel
I came from China. In my native country, people usually start to work

when they finish school. The people who are less than sixteen years old
can't start to work. That is the law. About ten years ago, many people
worked at the same company all their life, but it's different now. You can
change your job easily now. Men retire when they are sixty years old.
Women retire when they are fifty-five years old.--May
In my country, I was a jeweler. I bought some silver to make rings, earrings, necklaces
and bracelets. Then I held a sale for businessmen. I liked that job. That was
interesting. Now I have a new job. Sometimes I am a cook. Sometimes I am a
salesman. I work at a Chinese market. It's so boring. Sometimes I work over ten hours
a day. I think I want to improve my English and then find an interesting good job.--Paul
I've got my job in construction. I'm happy with my job, but I'm looking for an
American company. That means I can improve my English. Anyway, I love my
job. It's very interesting. I can think something over. I would like to consider
everything, make a plan, think of how I can understand it. Now, I can do it by
myself. I've a dream about beginning a contract--Lyman Peng
When I came to San Francisco, a good friend gave me a job working in

computers. I had to do the schedule of daily activities for the whole year.
This job was for each worker. I enjoyed doing it and it was a good
experience.--Victor
I work in a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. My friend helped me to find this job.
Before I came to the U.S., I worked in a factory in China. My factory made motors so I
always worked with a machine, and my work place was very bad; dirty, noisy, hot, etc.,
and the pay was very low. Although I have to serve customers in the restaurant now, I
like working in the U.S. I can buy a car, a computer, a TV, etc.--ZiCai
When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor. When I graduated high school, a

handsome man came to our school and talked about looking for oil. This man
changed my dreams. I went to the university and studied geology. I worked as a
geological engineer for 35 years. It's a very interesting job. I liked my job very
much.--Lilianna

Jobs
If you want to find a job in San Francisco, you can find one on the Internet
or in the newspaper. I found my job in the newspaper. I'm working in a
Chinese store now. In my native country, people usually begin to work at
18, and they usually retire at 55, but people can keep working if they want
to.--Kathy
My first job I got the fifth day after I came to the USA. At that time there were many
jobs in construction. My relative took care of getting me a job the first time. I worked as
a manager at a plant. When I was a child, I wanted to be an engineer at a plant. In my
country people start to work at 18 years old and go to retire at 60 years old for men
and 55 for women. In my country men have more different kinds of jobs than women. I
think you need to have a job where you get paid enough money and have a more
interesting job for you.--Yuriy M.
I'm a medical doctor in Japan. My major was urological oncology but I cannot
work as a medical doctor becuase I have no medical license in the United
States. Now I'm working as a researcher in the U.S. The research job is very
interesting, but I'm a little bit worried about forgetting the work that I've learned
as a medical doctor when I go back to Japan.--Tatsuya
I'm working in a pizza place. When I was in my country I was not working.
I think the best way to find a job is by networking or looking in the
newspaper. In my country, people start work very young and they retire
when they are in their 50's. --Aminudab
First I would like to talk about jobs for men and jobs for women in my country. It is
almost the same kind of job for men and women if you can do it. Ten years ago, my
father told me women worked at home and worked all kinds of jobs out of the home. At
this time there is equality in my country. Let me tell you about my job in my country. I
worked as a photographer, taking pictures. When I was a child, I wished to be a
hostess, but I didn't keep it. I changed my mind and I wanted to do any kind of work
which pays money.--Netsanet

Jobs
I started an interesting job in San Francisco last week. I've been taking care of a
little girl. She's 3 months old and her name is Hannah. I love children and taking
care of them is a big pleasure for me. It's very interesting to stay all day with a
delicate baby and enjoy his growing up. In my native country I worked in
different kinds of jobs. My last job was in a library. I enjoyed it a lot because I
had the opportunity to talk with people, to help students, teachers, and the
public in general to do research on the Internet. I've missed that wonderful time I
lived there. Now, I'm happy to have found a job that I appreciate and can do with
love.--Cibele
When I was a child, I always dreamed I'd become a female soldier but my
dream didn't come true. I was working as a public notary in China. Now I
am working in Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco as a nurse assistant. This
is a big change for me, but I love it because I can help people directly.--
Feng Tian
Before I moved to San Francisco, I was a barber in my country and I had two
barbershops. I made good money in my hometown. I had two boys and a car and a
house. Now everything is changed. I am still a barber but I am not the boss and need a
basement to live in. After work I need to go to learn English for my future. It is very
hard. My job is boring. I remember when I was a child I wanted to be a musician. Now I
want my children to be one, but usually musicians are poor.--Bond
When I decided to come to the USA I was interested in improving my English.

Fortunately I got a job as a babysitter, and I'm living with an American family
taking care of two wonderful girls who talk a lot. Therefore my English
knowledge has been increasing day by day and I don't intend to change my job
for another one. I love my American family and they love me too. This is more
important than making a lot of money and I'm sure I'll never forget this great
experience of living abroad.--Maria
In my country people can start to work at age 18. When women are 60
years old and men are 65 to 70 they retire. I started to work when I was
20 years old. I was an accountant. I've worked since I arrived in the U.S.
about 17 years ago. I'm interested in working in a casino. It's more
important to make a lot of money. The job I like is taking care of children
because children are childish. They make me young. A boring job is to
take care of senile people because they are very strange and they have a
bad temper.--Daisy

Jobs
Back in Switzerland, I did my education as a childcare teacher. After four years of

teaching, I made the decision to have a time out for myself!!! But I wouldn't go
completely away from my job. So I decided to take one year as an au-pair. In this kind
of "job" you live together with a family and take care of the family's child(-ren). I'm
happy that I made this decision.--Nathalie

San Francisco
I knew about San Francisco when I was in China and saw it in some movies. In my
mind, San Francisco was a beautiful city with many big buildings, but when my
husband drove me from the airport to my house, I never saw many buildings on the
two sides of the streets. I just saw smaller homes on the streets. My heart thought,
"Woah! Is this San Francisco? How is it different from those movies? Do I just live
here? Where are the stores? Where are those buildings?" I was very very surprised
when I just came here. Now I think I like S.F. very much!--Wen
When I first got here, I didn't know any English, and the first thing that surprised
me was that my friends were watching a Spanish channel. Also, when I went out
of the apartment for the first time, I saw many Latin people on the street.--Sergio
I've been living in San Francisco for four years and seven months. When I
first came here, I saw two gays kiss for a long time and a lot of homeless
living on the street. I was very surprised. Some places are a mess.
Before, I thought San Francisco was a very clean city. I like some things
about S.F. and I don't like some things. I like City College of San
Francisco. There the teachers are very nice. I like S.F.'s weather because
it is not too hot and not too cold. I don't like S.F. because there are a lot of
people and cars. Parking is difficult. I usually forget street cleaning days. I
got a lot of tickets. My favorite places are next to the Golden Gate Bridge
and Ocean Beach. There are a lot of crabs. You can catch them. It's a lot
of fun. When my friends from another city come here to visit me, I'm going
to drive them to the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's
Wharf, downtown and Ocean Beach--Daisy

San Francisco
I have been living in San Francisco about four years. I came to San Francisco in the
winter. I wore a very warm topcoat and hat, because in my country winter is very cold.
When I arrived in San Francisco, I was very surprised. The weather was warm, like in
spring in my country. I had to remove my coat and hat. Around me bloomed flowers in
winter. I was very surprised. I like San Francisco. It is a flowering garden all the year.--
Lilianna
I've been here in San Francisco for one year. When I arrived here I felt very
strange and confused because I had changed my culture and customs. I like
living in S.F. because the environment is cleaner and healthful. My favorite
places are Golden Gate Park and the beach. Those places are quiet and
comfortable for me. The places that are more expensive are Tiburon,
Embarcadero and Marina. I think so!! If a friend came to visit me, I'd show him/
her the famous places in this area, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate
Park, Alcatraz, Carmel, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. San Francisco is a
nice place.--Lorena
I have been living here for 3 years. Before coming here I knew it was a
nice city. What surprised me was the weather. It changes a lot. I like to
live in S.F. It's a nice city. It has a lot of places to go and there is a lot of
public transportation. If a friend comes to visit me, I will show him Golden
Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, downtown, Alcatraz,
Fisherman's Wharf, and Ocean Beach. My favorite places are Ocean
Beach and Golden Gate Park. I know the zoo and some museums. One
of the expensive places is the Marina District. If somebody asked me for
advice on moving to S.F., I would tell him it is a very nice place to live.--
Aminadab
When I first came to San Francisco, I felt San Francisco is beautiful. There are many
trees and a lot of grass. The air is clear. The weather is not too hot or cold. I like living
in San Francisco. If a friend from another country visited me, I would show her Golden
Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, the beach, Fisherman's Wharf, cable cars and so
on. Golden Gate Park is the largest park in the city. Lots of the trees in the park are
very old. If you walk in the park, you will feel relaxed.--May

San Francisco
I've been in the USA for 1 year and 8 months. I used to live in Half Moon Bay. I
moved to S.F. 1 month ago, so the weather didn't surprise me, (of course in Half
Moon Bay the weather is pretty much the same, or maybe even worse) but the
people walking on the street in only their underwear--that was a shock for me. I
like S.F. because of the people who are from different countries. Every day you
can learn about another culture--that's really interesting for me. I like places like
Twin Peaks, from which you can see all the town--the view is really great! What I
don't like in S.F. is looking for a parking spot. I wouldn't recommend that my
friends move downtown--every two hours you have to move your car to another
spot. That's terrible. That's why I live in the Sunset. (It's pretty easy to find a
spot.)--Izabela
I have been living in San Francisco for 2 years. Actually, my parents told
me everything before I came to San Francisco so there wasn't anything to
surprise me, and also I didn't expect that my parents would support me
and my family because my parents are retired. I'm very close to my mom
and I kept talking to my mom 2 or 3 times a week before I came here. I
like to live in S.F., and I especially like the weather, transportation,
grocery shopping, and schooling for kids and adults. However, I don't like
to pay so much for rent. I felt comfortable when I first arrived in S.F.
because I was told about it by my mom.--Jennie
I came to S.F. in 1999. I expected at night it would be so quiet. I was surprised about
gay couples, that some cars are very old, going to school is free, and the weather is
good. In S.F. I can get more education. I don't like it when I want to buy something
before I get paid. That means I wait so long, and some buildings are very old and very
poor. My favorite place is Ocean Beach.--Lyman
I came here to San Francisco from India in June. I have been here for three
months. Here in San Francisco nothing is different than I expected. I knew about
the Golden Gate Bridge and the Ocean before I came here. I like living in San
Francisco because I like the weather, ocean, and the college. If my friend came
from another country to visit me, I would like to show him the Golden Gate
Bridge, Muir Woods, and the Bay Bridge, etc. Muir Woods is my favorite place
near San Francisco.--Kulvinder

San Francisco
I have been living in San Francisco for a short time. When I first came to
S.F. I was surprised by the beautiful homes, the Golden Gate Bridge, the
Pacific Ocean beach and of course by the places like Fisherman's Wharf
where we can see people from different countries and feel the real culture
of this beautiful city. The prison of Alcatraz is the place that I want to see
as soon as it is possible because it is a very famous prison all over the
world. I am also impressed by the nightlife of S.F. I knew before that S.F.
is a city with disco style places and now I see that it was the truth.--
Abdulla
I have been living in San Francisco about ten years, and the first thing that surprised
me was the Muni transportation, because it works with electricity. Another thing was a
little sad, because my sister and I were hungry and at that time we did not know a lot
of English. We tried to buy a hamburger and we did not know how to order. The lady
understood what we were trying to order and finally we got the hamburgers. That was
so sad and funny at the same time. Now I love living in S.F. and know how to order
hamburgers.--Karla
I have been living in San Francisco for 2 years. I like living here. It's an
interesting city, especially the big mix of cultures and nationalities. You have the
opportunity to learn about different countries. Before I came here, I had an idea
in my mind about the city. I bought a guide to learn a little of San Francisco's
lifestyle. There are beautiful places to visit. One of them is Golden Gate Park.
Bad things about the city are: parking, old buses, and the frequent noises of fire
trucks and police cars.--Cibele
When I came from Cuba to San Francisco, everything was exciting for
me. One of the most shocking things was the weather and the homeless.
I had never soon so many of them. Now I have been living here for 2
years and I love everything in this city. I can't imagine living out of San
Francisco--Maigualida
I have been living in San Francisco about three years. When I first came to San
Francisco, I felt cold and I couldn't speak English. I couldn't find any job so I went back
to my country for about three months. Then I came to San Francisco a second time, in
August, 2002. I took an ESL class at this school and I found a full-time job. I learn
English in a night class. I can meet people from different countries. Now I feel living in
San Francisco is easy, and I can try food from different countries. If someone asks me
about S.F. I will tell him or her S.F. is a good city, and show him or her Golden Gate
Park.--Xi Peng

San Francisco
I live in one of the best cities in the U.S., San Francisco. When I came here the
first place that I knew was Castro Street and I saw a lot of people with their own
customs. I visited Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other
beautiful places, restaurants and theaters. San Francisco has good public
transportation services. The weather is crazy and changes all the time. I didn't
expect to see a lot of homeless people downtown. I like to walk on Haight
Street. It's crazy. There are many different lifestyles--Victor
My name is Oyuna. I've been living in San Francisco for 2 and a half
years. When I first came here, I wasn't surprised about San Francisco's
weather because when I was in my country, I read about San Franciso's
weather and some information on the Internet. Then I took my jacket from
my suitcase in the San Francisco airport. Second, I saw the gay parade
for the first time after being here two days. I don't like to talk about
homeless in San Francisco. I have changed my lifestyle since I first
arrived. My favorite places in San Francisco are Ocean Beach and
Fisherman's Wharf. I'd like to take friends from another country to the
Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Ocean Beach, Union Square
and downtown, and Twin Peaks at night. The Golden Gate Bridge,
Chinatown, Ocean Beach and Twin Peaks at night are free, but
Fisherman's Wharf is expensive. I want to advise anyone who is thinking
of moving to San Francisco:
1. Life is very expensive.

2. Accommodations are very expensive.
3. Taxes are high.
4. Gas and parking are too hard for someone who has a car.
--Oyungerel

Education
Before in my country, children went to school for nine years, elementary school for five
years, middle school for three years, and high school for two years. But now
elementary school is six years, middle school is three years, and high school is three
years. Every year from about January 20th to Feb. 29th children have winter vacation,
and from July 20th to August 31st they have summer vacation.--Daisy
In my native country, it's mandatory for children to go to school. They have to go

to school for 9 years. There are three kinds of schools: elementary school,
middle school, and high school. The children used to go to school on Saturday
but now they have to go to school five days a week. The students have to take a
test to get into college, so the students should work hard. Sometimes the
students should get up early to read the textbooks and work hard on the
weekends too.--Kathy
In my native country, it's mandatory for children to go to school from the

age of seven until sixteen. The classes are free. The universities are free
too, but you have to take a hard test to get into college. Most of the
classroom customs in my country are similar to classroom customs here,
like kinds of school, the methods that the teachers use, etc.
Unfortunately, in my country teaching isn't considered a good profession.
Therefore there are more women than men teachers and they are
frequently on strike.--Maria
The education in my native country is very different from in the U.S. In Brazil, kids start
school around four or five years old. The students have three different levels of school
before university. The first one is four years, the second is four years too, and the third
one is three years. I had a good time during my school years. I remember my
classmates and some teachers with love. It's important you have a good education so
you can get a good job in the future and you are able to do different activities.--Cibele

Education
In my country, students can finish 12 years of school after high school and then
take the exam for the university. The teachers are always professional, but I
remember one teacher. He was an English teacher. He just taught by himself.
The students could talk about something in class, or could go outside. It was
very loose. One day a student made a fire on the walk. The teacher didn't catch
him. He just went to the office to ask the principal for help.--Paul
I always remember the advice of my English teacher who said, "Be more
serious in studying your English because it will be useful whatever you
do." At that time I didn't take her advice seriously because English was
just a foreign language for me, but now I understand so much.--Abdulla
In my country, students can finish high school in 4 years. You have to pass an exam
for you to graduate.--Gabriel
After 4 years of school in Switzerland, it's time for the decision about which level
of high school you can go to. We have 3 levels. The difference of these 3 levels
is that they teach everything in a different tempo! Another difference is that the
future education has to pay attention to your current level. That means maybe
you can not study your favorite job because of the level you were in. That
doesn't mean you can not move on! So either way you have to find a new
"favorite job", study, study, study to get better so you will have the chance to go
to the next higher level! In Switzerland it's more common to get an education to
learn a job and then go to the university. I guess that's more the way in
America!--Nathalie
The education in my native town before I came here was one school for
men and another school for women. The teachers were very striict and
serious. All the students had to attend and focus on their studies.--Victor
What I understood in my native country was the great possibility of having a good
education. I had many good teachers, men as well as women. When I used to go to
school, teaching was considered a good profession. I have always remembered my
history teacher. I haven't forgotten her lessons since I heard them.--Yuriy
I think America's education is very different than in my country. In China, we

can't call a teacher by the teacher's name. We only call them "teacher" or their
last name and teacher. In the class we can't talk with classmates. The teachers
have to wear dressy clothes. The tables and chairs are different than here.--
ZiCai

Education
I do remember all the teachers that I had when I was in high school
because every one had a different teaching style. Maybe personal ideas
influenced their teaching styles. I think there were more women teachers
than men teachers in every school, but I don't know why. When I was in
high school I liked to study math, physics, geometry, and chemistry. Their
teachers were the best.--Tunga
In my native country, if I haven't forgotten, people let their children go to school at five
years old. Every one of the children finishes six years of elementary school, three
years of middle school, and three years of high school. Then they go to a university or
college if they can. I think almost all of the education is the same in my country and
here, but children have to learn things following the book and there is a lot of
homework. The semester is the same too. The only differences is that they have a
New Year's holiday, and here they have Christmas. I remember in my math teacher's
class he always let all the class close their eyes 15 minutes before he started the
class. I don't know why, but it felt the best.--Pho
In my country, it is mandatory for children to go to school until they are 13. Boys
and girls are the same. Also, it is not free. The kids must have 7 years for
elementary school, 3 for middle school, and 3 for high school. Private school is
expensive too. For the year, we start on Sept. 1st and end on Jan 6th. The
school day is from 8 to 5, Monday to Friday. The teachers use the same
methods. We don't care whether they are women or men. I remember the
teacher who visited my parents every four weeks. --Lyman
In my native country, Brazil, whoever has money can pay a private school
and have a good education and go to college. But the poor children who
go to the public school don't go to learn, but to eat. It's the only meal
they'll have all day, and many other children don't go to school because
they need to work to help the family. Being a teacher in my country isn't a
good profession because teachers aren't appreciated and they don't
make good money. The government doesn't give emough money for
education because my country is very poor and there are many different
kinds of problems and they think education isn't a priority.--Guiliane

Education
I have two sons. When we moved here, they were nine years old. They studied in
China two years in elementary school. Now they are studying here. Sometimes I asked
them, "Do you like school in your native country or American school?" They said, "Of
course, we like it here. In China we had a lot of homework and tests, and the teacher
was angry. Now my teacher is friendly, we finish homework in school, and we have
lots of time to play and do things we like." I don't know if that is good or bad. I can't feel
that they are learning fast and improving, but their thinking is more active and their
body is stronger.--Bond
We have similarities in classroom customs in my country and here. There are

private and public schools in my country. The school a child chooses depends
on the financial backgorund of his or her parents. As a rule, education,
especially discipline and order is better. There are more women teachers than
men. Teaching is considered a good, reputable, but less well-paid profession.
When the teacher comes in a classroom, all the children stand up, as a sign of
their esteem. For our generation when we were children, the teachers were the
best people after our parents. We trusted them completely. A special teacher,
like a special friend, was one who we got along with and liked or maybe loved.--
Tanya

Misunderstandings
Write about a Misunderstanding.
One time I went to visit my friend in Mountain View, but I didn't know where her house
was located. She just gave me the address, so I went to a store and I asked for a map
and the guy in the store gave me a mop. I told him, "I don't need this. I'm trying to find
some place, so I need a map."--Aminadab
I am a barber. One day a customer came in and sat in my chair. I asked him,
"Do you like the hair on the side over your ears?" He said, "Yes," so I cut his
hair short. After I finished, he wasn't satisfied. He said, "Over your ears means
the hair covers the ear." I wonder who is right--him or me.--Bond
I don't know, basically nothing like that happened to me. I always try to
find the same language with people, but I remember a funny story which
happened to me when I just came to the USA and I had an exam in John
Adams school. On the way, I lost my way on the bus. At that time my
English wasn't so good, but I had to get to school. So (with my bad
English) I had conversations with every bus driver whose bus I took--like
4 or 5, but not only about directions. We spoke about everything, and one
of them asked me about marriage. That was a joke, sure, but that was
very funny to me. On that day I missed my exam at the school, but
anyway I had a lot of good English practice.--Kseniya
When I lived in Japan and Korea, Japanese culture says when you eat noodles, you
should make noise. Otherwise, that food is not tasty. But when I was in America, the
first time I had noodles with an American coworker, she said, "When you eat any food
in America, please don't make noise." I got so embarrassed.--Myung Hee
When I studied in elementary school, at first we were just beginning to learn

English. The teacher taught us the word "teacher" for pronunciation. That sound
is very similar to the Chinese sound for "bus." I said in Chinese, "There's no bus
here, teacher." Suddenly all the classmates laughed. When I remember that, it's
so funny.--Paul
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Misunderstandings
When I came to this college for the first time, I remember that our teacher
told me a funny misunderstanding. The student was from China and the
question was, "What is your name?" The girl said, "What," but the teacher
asked angrily, again and again. Her answer was the same, What." Later
on, the teacher told her to spell it. She wrote "Wat" and we laughed and I
thought it was the same sound as the English word.--Natsenet
When I got here someone asked me what my job was in my country. Then I said that I
was a lawyer there. All the people around me smiled a lot and I couldn't understand
why. Later they explained to me that I pronounced the word like "liar" and they said,
"That's no problem. Lawyers and liars are very close in their activities."--Maria
When I first came to school, I didn't know any words. I didn't know the campus
signs. I parked my car on the campus. When I finished I saw a ticket on my car.
That was terrible. The sign said "No Student Parking." Then I paid $35.00--Daisy
I have a cat. One day I bought a box of dry cat food and put it in the
cabinet in the kitchen. Early the next morning I went to work. My husband
woke up late. He went to the kitchen and took the dry cat food and put it
in a bowl and poured milk on it and ate it. When I came home he told me,
"I didn't like the new cereal."--Lilianna
One day I took my mother-in-law to a Chinese restaurant for lunch. We ordered two
dishes. The food came and I started to eat. She asked the waiter for soup because a
Chinese restaurant usually gives free soup when you order the lunch special, but the
waiter brought the sugar to her because sugar and soup sound the same in Chinese.--
Lily
One day I went to Chinatown to buy dim sum, and I told the woman I wanted
shrimp dim sum. She looked up at me and ignored me, and I turned red. The
restaurant was not too full and I thought, "Is it because I did not pronounce the
name well or because they did not understand me?"--Karla
The first year I was in San Francisco, my neighbor's son had his one-year
birthday. I bought a baby suit and then I wrote a birthday card and put the
suit in a red box and gave it to my neighbor. Then they put the red box in
the refrigerator because the red box was from a bakery. On his birthday,
they remembered my gift and they opened the box. The box had a suit in
it, not food. They were laughing for a few days. They told me they put my
gift in the refrigerator. I was laughing too because in China, red is for
good luck. I didn't use any wrapping paper on the box.--Du Xi Peng

Misunderstandings
One time I went to a market and I bought some candy and many cups. Then my cell
phone rang. It was my sister making a call to tell me we didn't need the plastic cups. At
that time I had paid the money, so I wanted to return the cups. The cashier said, "You
took things and paid," and she had my money. That meant she said, "You can't return
any of the things." I didn't know what to do in this case and I went home. I ate the
candy, but the candy was expired. I was so sad and I made a call to the store and
complained.--Lyman
When I was a student in high school, my English teacher taught us the spelling
of "window." but two students were talking to each other. They didn't listen to the
teacher. Then the teacher asked one student how to pronounce the word
"window". The student asked another student, "Where is the word the teacher is
asking me?" The student asked the question in Cantonese. (The pronunciation
of the word where is bindo in Cantonese.) Then the teacher said, "Good,"
because the teacher spoke Mandarin and couldn't understand Cantonese.--Yao
Xuan
When I just came to the U.S. I got my first job as a nanny, living with a
nice American family. My English was very bad, and the lady spoke to me
in Spanish. I understood but I couldn't answer because I don't speak
Spanish either. I speak Portuguese. I always tried to speak in English, but
in the beginning the communication was very hard, with many
misunderstandings. One day I was working in the house and I opened the
bathroom door and my boss's brother was sitting down on the toilet. He
forgot to lock the door. I felt very ashamed about this situation and I went
to the living room to see my boss and tell her what happened and I was
very nervous. My face was burning and red and I told her I didn't want to
work there anymore because I was embarrassed. I spoke too fast and I
didn't know how to say this word with a good pronunciation. She thought I
said embarazada, which in Spanish means pregnant. She was very
surprised with this news, but after a bit of clear conversation about this I
understood that she had understood wrong. I explained my mistake, and
we both laughed.--Giuliane
I read one story in the newspaper about a man who had a ticket to Australia. He heard
an announcement for his flight and he got on his plane. After twenty minutes, he
looked out the window and he discovered they were over a desert, but nothing else.
He started to get nervous about that and he called a flight attendant. "Excuse me, can
you tell me if we are going to Australia?" "Sorry, you should say, "Austria." At the end
of the story, that man came to Austria, spent a while, and after that came back to
Australia.--Elmira

Misunderstandings
There was a woman who was a visitor in China about 20 years ago. She studied
some Chinese and could say a little bit. One day she went shopping at a small
market. She wanted to buy a hen, because Chinese think the meat of a hen is
very healthy. It gives so much energy and is very good for people. She didn't
say "muji" (female chicken). She told the salesperson, "I want to buy a niuji". (In
Chinese the word mu and niu mean the same, female, but "niu" is only for
people, not for animals. ) The salesperson said, "What?" Then the woman
pointed to herself and said, "Like me." The man understood what the woman
wanted to buy. The man gave the hen to the woman.--Wen
When I was living in Istanbul, Turkey, my friend and I were in a

restaurant. The waiter came near us and asked the question in Turkish,
"Would you like some tea?" However, we thought that he asked, "Are you
Chechnian?" I immediately asked him, "How did you know?" The waiter
was afraid and he told me, "I just asked, "Would you like some tea?" So I
discovered that in the Turkish language, the pronunciation of "Would you
like some tea?" and "Are you Chechnian?" is the same.--Abdulla.
This is about a wrestler who went to another country for a competition, but he didn't
speak any English. One day somebody asked where he came from, but he couldn't
answer. He was very shy, so he was looking for something that had his country's name
on it. Finally he found his country's name on the tag of his T-shirt. The next day again
somebody asked the same question as before, but this time he was so sure and proud
and answered, "Made in...."--Tunga

Home
I love my home. It is a studio with a bright bedroom and large bathroom. It is upstairs
and downstairs. I have a living room and a small kitchen. There are two doors, one is
in the hall away from the street and the other is for the nice backyard with trees and
flowers. My apartment is small but I keep everything clean and organized. I live a few
blocks from my job in the Marina District and I have a great neighborhood, but this
costs me a lot of money because my rent is expensive. In Brazil, I lived alone in a nice
apartment with two bedrooms in a large condominium in front of the beach. My rent
was very cheap, but my neighborhood wasn't safe.--Giuliane
We rent a home that has 2 bedrooms, 1 living room and kitchen together, and 1
bathroom. It's near the Pacific Ocean and three parks. It is very quiet and safe
there. If there isn't so much fog, that is my favorite place, because I like to walk
in the park. There are many trees and fresh air. It makes me very comfortable. I
like to see the ocean and sunset. It looks beautiful and makes me happy. I like
my neighborhood very much, but I don't like the home, which has expensive
rent. When I was living in my home in China, I didn't pay rent every month. That
neighborhood wasn't like now. There were only big buildings and streets. The
parks were far away from my home. Finally, in China, my home was bigger than
now.--Wen
I've lived in San Francisco since May, 2004. I live in a house and I like the
kitchen. It's not too small to make food. It's big and the bathroom is also
so comfortable, but I don't like the bedroom. It's not quiet. When I want to
sleep the noises from next door bother me. They play music loudly. At
that time I feel bad about the place I live. In San Francisco it's better than
in my native country. It is big and comfortable and has fresh air.--Natsenet

Home
Since I came to the U.S.A. last October, I've been living with an American family. I
have a small but comfortable room with a computer, TV, DVD, telephone, CD player
and a heater. The room is downstairs and I have total privacy. I live near the beach in
a quiet neighborhood. It's very convenient to live there because I can find several
businesses, like banks, shops, restaurants, drugstores, grocery stores and Golden
Gate Park, where I can walk and relax on weekends. I don't know any of my
neighbors, but I like to live there anyway and I don't intend to move to another place at
least until next year when I return to my country.--Maria
The place where I live now is nice, but I'd like to live near the Pacific Ocean
beach in order to watch the sunset and enjoy the Pacific Ocean, the best ocean
in the world. I dream of living on Sutro Heights, seeing that walk to the Cliff
House and staying for several minutes near Seal Rock. My neighborhood has
lots of businesses, because it is near Geary Street. Of course my living place in
my native country was more interesting, more fascinating, because it is the
capital city of Russia. I lived there on the most healthy, interesting, favorite,
preferable place, Leninski Prospectus, but I didn't like to walk there because it's
very crowded. There are lots of country people from the provinces speaking fast
and using low class language. I have loved San Francisco since I came here. I
saw the Pacific Ocean from its other side, from the Japanese Sea, but here it is
the most beautiful and more charming.--Tanya
I lived in one of the best places in my native country, Cusco. It has the 7th
Wonder of the World, Machupicchu. This is an archaeological place.
There are a lot of tourists and the neighborhoods are so kind and lovely.
They have many businesses for tourists, small hotels, stores, tour buses,
and restaurants. My life in San Francisco is different.--Victor
I'm living in an apartment in San Francisco. I don't know my neighbors. I've lived in this
apartment for only two months. Most of my neighbors are Chinese and Russian. In my
native country I lived in different kinds of places and different cities. In the U.S.A. I've
lived in a townhouse and an apartment. I prefer to live in an apartment because I think
it's safer.--Cibele
I live in Daly City with my family. We live in a house and there are 5 rooms. I
have my own room. I like to be in a private room because I'm a private person. I
don't want anyone to go inside my room. I just want to be alone. One thing I like
about where I live is that it's very quiet and peaceful and the neighbors are very
kind. Some of them I know and some of them are very good friends of mine.
Sometimes we go to play tennis, badminton, and iceskating. That's all I can say
for now.--Gabriel

Home
I live in the Richmond on 5th Ave. That is a safe and clean place. Even
though I've lived there for four years and three months, I don't know who
my neighbors are because I get up early to go to work and I finish work
late. When I lived in my native country, I lived in Tai San. That's a
beautiful place. The people are very friendly, but the weather is so hot in
the summer. That is the only thing I don't like. Now I live in S.F. I like it
here because I like the weather and I can improve my English fluency.--
Paul
I live in the Richmond District in San Francisco. My neighborhood has a big

supermarket and golf course. My neighborhood is easy for me to park. I have a
bedroom and living room. I think the living room is too small but the bedroom is big
enough for me. In my native country it was better, bigger than these, but I like the U.S.
because in the U.S. the air is better than in my native country.--Kevin
I live between 31st and 32nd Ave. and Clement. It is a very nice and quiet place
to live. On the right corner there's an Albertson's. When I was in Mexico, I used
to live in a small town, so it was different than living in S.F. but I like both
places.--Aminadab
I've been in the U.S. for a little over four years and I'm still going to study
more English. In my native country I stopped going to school and I was
working in a company, but now I want to know a lot of things in the U.S.
Now I changed my life. In the U.S. I go to work Monday to Saturday 8:00
to 5:00, and at night I stay home and watch TV, do my homework, or
listen to music. Before, in China, I even went out to dance, gamble, walk
with my friends, drive anywhere, and also eat out with friends. That was
my life in my native country.--Lyman
I was born in China. My hometown is a small city in South China, but this city is
famous in my native country because China's first president was born there. Now this
city takes its name from the first president. It's a beautiful city that is safer and cleaner,
and the people are more friendly. I miss it very much. Now in S.F. I'm living in the
Sunset and feeling lonely and sad. I am nothing here. I need to start everything over.--
Bond

Home
I was born in Turkmenistan, in the capital of Ashgabat. Turkmenistan is in

Central Asia, close to Uzbeckistan, Iran, and Turkey. It's really a nice country,
but without a future. Fate gave me luck and now I'm here in the United States of
America, the country everyone is dreaming about. I have a lot of examples
about my country, but this one is most important. I already wrote there is no
future in my country. Education is the future, but without educaiton, you are
nothing. In my country, the future is for Turkmen people only and there is the
same problem with jobs. There is no Internet connection, no television in your
native language--everything is in the Turkmen language despite there still being
a lot of Russian people living in Turkmenistan. I can write more and more about
the people and everything that happened in my country and I feel pity for all my
Russian friends who are still in Turkmenistan. I appreciate all the choices that I
have now. Thanks a lot.--Elmira
I have been living in S.F. about three years. In the first year I lived in the
Richmond with my mother, father, and sister. My sister's house is on
California Street. My neighbors were nice. In the second year I moved to
another house in the Richmond too, but I have to pay one thousand
dollars. In my native country I had my own apartment. I didn't have to pay
any money, so I felt rich. In S.F. I have to work hard and pay more money
to rent a house, so I feel poor. However, I like living in S.F. I will improve
my English, find a good job and buy a house.--Xi Peng

Families
I have a big family. They are living in S.F. Some relatives live in other cities too. I'm not
the first in my family to come to this city. Some relatives were here helping us to get
settled.
Parents should spank their children when they are not listening to you. I don't think a
husband should hit his wife at all. I think some of the laws in my country and the laws
in this country on this subject are different.--Hung
In my country in the city, wives and husbands go to work in the daytime. The
mothers-in-law take care of their baby, or they hire someone to take care of their
baby. After work, women cook, clean, and take care of the baby. Most husbands
don't help with chores. In the countryside, most women live with their mothers-in-
law. In the city, a lot of women don't live with their mothers-in-law. They just visit
their mothers-in-law on the weekend. In that way, they can get along well
together.--May
I have a big family living in S.F. so I settled in the U.S. In my native

country, women work outside the home. I think if women have small
children, they shouldn't have a job. In my country, when women have
small children, usually the grandmother takes care of them. Their
husbands help with cleaning, cooking, and shopping. I think parents living
with their children is a good idea because they will be happy and get help.
They will have a long life.--XiPeng
My family has six people. Now I'm living in San Francisco with my parents. My two
sisters and one brother are in a different country. I was lucky! I came to the U.S. with
my parents in Sept., 1999. My aunts helped me get settled. In my family, the women
do household chores and the men work outside. The women usually do arrangements
for childcare. Some adult children live with older parents, and some do not. When I
was a little child, my mom spanked me, and I even saw men hit women. --Lyman

Families
I was born in Turkmenistan, in a typical family, but opinions about family

between Russian and Turkmen people are different. You can't bring your
boyfriend and say, "This will be my husband." Your parents must find a husband
for you and it's not very important if he is much older than you. In a Turkmen
family, the man should not take care of his children. It's the mother's part of the
work. It means the child grows up without a lot of attention from his father's side.
Most of the Turkmen men use drugs or something else and they don't care
about the future, the future of their children. It's not a very big surprise that a lot
of children are born with disabilities. The mother can give birth to 5 or 8 children
and everybody lives in poverty. In one word in my opinion, you can't make any
family in that country.--Elmira
In my country families are smaller than in America. As a rule they have

only one child, very seldom two, because parents think about raising their
child healthier and giving him higher education but it takes much more
time and money. They know that the best treasure is the best education
and good behavior for their child and they try not to be greedy, but they
don't ever have money for that. They can't afford to have more than one
child. Hitting and spanking in my country are like water under the bridge,
because my country is a civilized one.--Tanya
In my native country, women work outside the home. They go to work in the daytime,
and some of them even go to school at night or on the weekend. If women in my
country work when they have small children, they will hire a babysitter, so the
babysitter can take care of their children and do the housework. I think it's a good idea
for older parents to live with their adult children because I think the adult children can
look after their parents.--Kathy
In China most of the families are extended. The grandparents take care of the
children. The young men go to work to earn the money. If the husband is hitting
his wife, the wife calls the police and says that the husband broke the law.
Maybe he will go to jail. I think that is the same as in America. For the Chinese
living in the U.S., most of the families are nuclear. They live separately from
their old parents. They send their children to school. The old people live in
senior citizen housing. The young people work as hard as in my country, and
the housing is more expensive than in my country.--Paul

Families
The law in my country is different than in the U.S. For example, here in
the U.S. you can smoke when you're 18 and when you are 21 you can
drink alcohol. But in my country if you're underage you can drink alcohol
and smoke cigarettes, especially when you go to a bar. They don't ask for
your ID or how old you are. They just let you in to have some fun. Also,
when you are in the mall or on the bus, you can smoke cigarettes. There
are also parents who spank their children but here in the U.S. once you
spank your children, no doubt about it you're going to jail. Right.--Gabriel.
My family has four people, two boys and my wife and I. My two boys are ten years old.
They can't stay at home alone so my wife must take care of them after school and on
vacations. I can't break the law in America. That would be a terrible thing. In my native
country usually the mother-in-law helps to take care of the kids and the kids' parents
work to pay all the bills. On the other hand, in my native country parents are always
strict and spank the children. They think spanking can educate the child well.--Bond
I have a small family in my country, my mother, two sisters, two sons and one
grandson. Unfortunately, all of them are there. When I planned to come to the
USA my family got worried because I didn't have any friends here to help me,
but I came anyway. Living with an American family is the best way to compare
the cultures of both countries. Basically, American families are different from
Brazilian families. Here old parents live alone and usually children live with their
parents until they are eighteen. I don't agree with this behavior. In my opinion
family members have to help each other when they need help, and feelings are
more important than money.--Maria
I want to tell you about the laws about husbands hitting their wives. In my
country most people say, "If you are hit by your husband, you are lucky
because he loves you and that's why he's hitting you." But the law does
not accept this suggestion. If you are hitting your wife you will be accused
by your wife. I think it's the same as the law in this country.--Natsenet
I am from India and in my native country there are women with children who work
outside the home. In India there are lots of extended families, so they live together. If
the mother goes outside for work, then the grandmother takes care of her
grandchildren. There are also a few childcare schools for people who don't have an
extended family. They use that type of school. In my native coutnry there are different
laws about husbands hitting their wives or parents spanking children. In India, a
husband can hit his wife and the police can't take any action against him. If there are
parents spanking their children, the children can't complain against their parents.--
Kulvinder

Many people like pets in my country. In Guongzhou, most families just have one kid.
The child stays at home alone when his parents go to work. If the child has a pet, he
can play with the pet, but if you want to have a dog, you must have a dog license. I like
to visit zoos. I can see many kinds of animals in the zoo. I can see the endangered
animals there. My native country protects endangered animals like the panda. There
are eight natural protected areas in my country. People can't live there and they can't
cut the trees and kill the animals there.--May
I like some animals. They are pretty. I liked to visit them when I was a child, but I
think people who have a lot of pets will have environmental problems.
Americans treat pets the same as people. In my country it is different. Pets are
not completely protected by the laws. Some animals are killed. I think many
years from now we will have laws to protect pets.--Sumei
Americans treat pets the same as people in my country do. I like to visit
zoos. I think zoos help endangered species. In my country, there are laws
protecting endangered species. For example, the panda is an
endangered species. The panda is a beautiful animal and walks slowly.
There are very few in the world.--Xiaowei
I had a cat in my native country. It was white without any small spots of other colors.
All of my family loved this very smart pet. I saw homeless people in the U.S. but I didn't
see homeless cats and dogs. I have visited the S.F. Zoo, and seen many animals.
These animals have a very small space for a natural life. Only national parks have
enough territory for the natural life of wild animals. Each being alive on the earth
should have the right to live and develop in its native environment.--Yuriy

I like animals and pets but I don't want to have one because here in the U.S. it is
a lot of trouble to have a pet. With pets, you need to spend time and money, pay
attention, and have dedication and responsibility. You can be in court if you
don't give appropriate treatment to your pet. The time and the money you spend
to take care of a pet here in the U.S. for me means a lot, because we work by
the hour, and if you have a pet, you need to spend time taking care of this pet.
Then you work less hours or skip doing something for yourself. Don't forget you
need to spend a lot of money too. I don't agree with this. If you calculate
everything between time and money you will have a large amount of money in
the end with which you can take care of a whole family in Brazil. Over there
there are many children who don't have anything to eat and Americans spend a
lot of money to buy special toys, food, clothes, and beds for their pets. Do you
think this is fair?.--Giuliane
In my country, I had a cat and a dog but I liked the little cat more because
that cat could call me, wake me up, and join with me for work. It was very
cute and beautiful. It liked to eat fish. I always fed it rice with fish. That cat
was very smart. It could catch a mouse when the place had one. Even if I
was bored, it could make me happy. Now I don't have a pet, so
sometimes I feel bored.--Paul
Actually, I'm not into animals. When I came to America, I was very envious of the dogs
in America. They get treated really well. Even when homeless people get money from
other people, they feed their dogs first.--Myung Hee
All the animals are very important for the environment. There is a food chain
through the world. If any kind of animal is extinct, the food chain will break. In
my country, people cut a lot of the woods and stopped the river for electricity
and they like to eat wild animals. Zoos can't help the endangered animals. They
will lose their lives to hunting.--Bond
I had different kinds of pets in my native country. I also have pets here in
the U.S. Anyway, I have a dog, rabbit, snake and fish, and I treat them
like human beings because they have life. I remember in my country
people kill dogs, especially when people see dogs in the streets. They kill
them and cook them and eat them and they don't care whose dog it is.
You know, my two favorite animals are really dogs in general and rabbits.
I have a rabbit here and a chihuahua and I have an aquarium with fish. I
also take my dogs out to the park.--Gabriel.

I had pets in my native country. Pets are good company for a family. I have pets at
home--one dog, and two fish. My dog is female. She is intelligent. We lived with her in
my native country for six years. We arrived in the U.S. with her. We are living together
now. We love her very much. She understands Spanish and English commands. I
think she is bilingual.--Victor
In my native country, there is a bad environment, because most of the people

cut lots of trees and remove the jungles to build big industrial buildings. These
industrial buildings create a lot of pollution. It makes people sick. On the other
hand, the people of my native country treat animals very badly. They keep their
animals out of the house. They don't love their pets. They only keep pets to use.
Last year I saw the San Francisco Zoo. I liked the birds and owls. I never saw a
zoo in my native country, so it was the first time I saw a zoo here in San
Francisco. In my native country there is a law about protecting the environment,
but nobody follows the rules.--Kulvinder
I love pets but I've never had one because I always lived in small houses
and in my opinion pets need to live in a large place. In addition, feeding
pets costs too much and when they die we suffer a lot. I think American
people treat pets like humans and spend a lot of money on them. It's
unfair. They could have the same behavior taking care of poor children,
but they don't do it. In my country, people are more worried about poverty
than about having pets.--Maria
On the Earth, there are more and more people, but fewer and fewer animals. The
buildings are higher and higher, but the green places are fewer and fewer. Some
animals will be endangered. Environmental problems will be the biggest problem in the
world. What can we do for that? I think every country should have a law to protect
endangered species. If someone breaks the law, they'll be getting big trouble. Nobody
wants to live in the worst environment in the world. If the environment is getting better,
we will be sitting on top of the world!--Wen
I like one kind of dogs and I hate cats. I think Americans treat pets different than
people in my country do. Zoos in my country are nice. You can visit them once a
year. Of course, any zoo needs to protect endangered species. You have to
take care of any pet you have. If you don't take care of the pets, they will be
dirty. I think people in my country treat birds, chickens and horses the same as
Americans treat pets. When I saw some American people feed some animals, I
was very confused because in my country, people feed dogs and cats whatever
they have eaten, but Americans make some special food and mix it and then
feed the pets.--Lyman

Leisure Time
Talk about Leisure Time or Vacations
When I lived in my country, I had a lot of leisure time. In my free time I always went to
good places with my family. We had days off on the weekends. Sometimes we went to
my dacha with my friends' families. There we played basketball, volleyball, tennis and
football. I was pleased to have leisure time in winter. I like snow very much. Especially
on the holidays my family celebrated a very wonderful New Year. In America, I have
little free time, but I want to have good free time. I think those who want to have free
time must look for free time for themselves.--Oyungerel
In my free time I would like to say that I usually go out to eat Mexican food, hang
out with my friends, play soccer and in the evening, if we have time, go to the
movies. This is my normal day off. But if I compare this with the things back
home, it is totally different. I used to have more free time and here I have only
one day off. Comparing Americans with my people, I think Americans have more
free time and they spend it in different ways (going to movies, to the mall, etc.).
In my country the people usually go to the park at nighttime, visit a friend or
relative or only stay at home and relax. After all, I think I like the life here or at
least I am used to it, but I miss the calm of my hometown so much.--Sergio
I think American people are responsible for their lives, especially in

education and health. When I moved to San Francisco, I saw people in
this city take care of their nutrition. They know how to eat right, and how
to look healthy or young. Most of the people in the USA always go to the
gym or play any kind of sports, so I think it's the best thing for humans.
Not everybody in Mongolia does that. When I have free time I always try
to do something like work out, take a dance class, or go bikeriding.--
Tumur

Leisure Time
If I have some leisure time in the U.S., I draw some pictures. I like to draw some kind
of building plan and decide how to design a house. How can I decide how to make it
look good? Also, I listen to music on the radio. I think people in the U.S. are different
from people in my native country. For example, American people don't really walk on
the street at night and talk to the neighbors, but those in my country do. Also, in my
country people work Sunday or Saturday, but in the U.S. the routine is pretty good for
people. They have leisure time.--Lyman
In my country I had less free time than here. We only had one day off per week
in my country ten years ago, but now it's changed. Ten years ago my son was a
little child. On the weekend I had to take care of him and had to teach him. Also
my country has fewer holidays than the United States. Since I came here I have
had more free time to watch TV and to take vacations. Sometimes we go to play
golf, eat in a restaurant, or go shopping.--Sumei
I would like to read some books or talk to my friends or access the

Internet in my leisure time. I think I have less free time here than I had in
my native country. I used to visit my grandparents and travel around the
nearby city in my free time in my native country. From what I have seen,
Americans spend their free time in the same ways that people spend their
free time in my country. They both like traveling. They like gardening and
cooking too. I think people in my country would like to go to Europe,
Japan or Australia.--Kathy
I think American people don't have more free time than people in my native country. I
need to work 10 hours every day, six and a half days a week. That's hard for me, so I
just have less free time here. If I lived in China, I'd have a lot of free time. I liked to play
something with my friends, for example, soccer, basketball, ping-pong or mahjong. I
also liked to go swimming in the ocean. I remember when I studied in high school, I
went to the ocean and went swimming with my classmates. We swam to a big ship
and climbed onto the ship's head. The ship's head was high over the water. We stood
there and jumped into the water. Our bodies spent a long time in the water. Now I think
that's so dangerous.--Paul
When I was young, I liked to use my vacation for resting while camping. I liked
to cook on campfires, eat near campfires, and sing with a guitar. I like nature
very much. I took my children camping with me too. They like nature too. My
daughter, like me, uses her vacation to go camping here now. I went camping
with my daughter's family on the Russian River, Lake Berryessa, and Yosemite
National Park. My grandchildren like nature too.--Lilianna

Leisure Time
I don't have any hobbies now because I don't have a lot of leisure time
and money. I work six days a week. I have to use some money to pay for
many things, but I used to have some hobbies in China. I collected
stamps for many years. I collected coins from about sixty countries. I
often took them out to look at them and it gave me fun in my free time.
Sometimes I showed them to my friends. I like to do that very much. I
think I'll keep doing my hobbies very soon because I enjoy them and find
it interesting to do them.--Wen
Yes, I have a lot of free time since I came to the United States, much more free time
than in my country. Americans like to spend a lot of time taking vacations going
somewhere. That is a very good idea. Humans need to relax from work and need a
change. I like to play golf and tennis on the weekend. Sometimes I take vacations. I
went to Las Vegas, L.A., and Yosemite. Oh that is beautiful country, and those are
beautiful cities.--Xiaowei
Actually, what I do in my free time is always go to the gym and work out, and
play basketball and badminton. I also like swimming and sometimes I go to see
movies with friends. The last time we watched National Treasure and it was a
good movie too. Sometimes we just stay in our house and have a few drinks
and go to a bar. You know, I like nightlife, I like crowds at a party, and
everything. The last time I watched a Metallica concert at Candlestick Park with
my sister and friends. You know, they are our favorite metal band, and seeing
them perform was amazing. Wow! Two thumbs up.--Gabriel
In my free time I like to meet my friends, walk in the park or on the beach,
and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. In my native country I spent leisure time in
the same way, the difference only in that I walked in the forest, not on the
beach. I had more possibilities for sightseeing as in my city there were
many more museums, art galleries, and other places for entertainment. In
my opinion, Americans have less free time than people in my country,
because they work very hard and they spend their leisure time in more
interesting and more healthy ways. I used to spend my vacation near the
Baltic Sea in a small town that was built by Sweden a long time ago. The
weather and water are warm in July there and people are pretty nice and
kinder than in other parts of Russia. We can take a tour by ship or bus
and visit other cities of the Baltic Sea.--Tanya

Leisure Time
In my native country I usually spent my free time going to the beach with a lot of
friends and my family. In the USA I can't do it because of the cold weather. Instead, I
go to the movies and see 3 or 4 films a day. It's amazing but it was the best way I
found to relax and have fun. In my opinion American people are very quiet. On their
leisure time they like to stay home playing with the children, cutting the grass, or going
to the computer--certainly to buy something. This is their favorite hobby. In my country
people prefer to enjoy their free time outdoors.--Fatima
I prefer to write on the topic of whether Americans have more or less free time
than people in my native country. Americans have less free time because as we
know they work two kinds of jobs, and work longer hours than in my country. In
America most people are always busy working full time, weekends, and night
time. That's why there is less free time. All the people are busy. In my native
country, holidays mean no working. There's no work at night but people working
full time take a long break. Most people don't have work. There are no more
jobs. If you have a job, probably your wife does not, so in my native country
there is more free time than in America.--Natsenet
I am a full-time worker. I have a lot of work. Anyway, I have two days off,
and that's my leisure time. I have a membership at the 24 Hour Fitness
Club and a third of my free time I spend in the gym. I like working out and
it's my kind of relaxation. I'm crazy about watching new movies. Almost
every Sunday I go to see another new movie. I am not a party animal, but
I like to go to some nice bars or nightclubs with my friends. It doesn't
happen very often, but once every two weeks. I spend my free time with
my friends. If it is necessary, I can spend my time doing shopping or if it's
nice weather I like to go to the beach. I have a lot of things to do if I have
free time. Anyway, for sure I have time to clean my room and try to do
some work for English lessons at John Adams Campus.--Elmira

Introductions
Inna likes to read and go swimming. She gets up at 8 o'clock because she needs to
sleep very well. She comes to school by bus and sometimes walks. She takes two
classes and she likes Russian food and seafood.--Jorge
It was great to talk with my partner Alice. She likes to go shopping in her spare
time. She usually gets up at 7:00 in the morning. She goes to school by bus
every day. She takes only one class in this school because she is so busy and
she has to go to work. She likes to eat Chinese food.--Florence
David likes reading newspapers and magazines in the morning. Every

morning after he has breakfast, he comes to school by bus. He takes two
classes at John Adams Campus. He enjoys the class. I was very friendly
with him. David likes to eat Russian food. In the evening for dinner he
eats noodles and borshcht and vegetables. Although he is old, he looks
very healthy--Yin Yin May
My partner likes to go to the library. She gets up at 7:30 in the morning and she takes
the bus to school every day. She takes two classes and she likes to eat Chinese food.
In the afternoon she likes to spend her time in the library reading and learning about
computers.--Alice
Yim Ling likes to play games in her free time. She is from China and lives with
her husband in San Francisco. She gets up at 6:30 AM because she cooks her
husband breakfast. She has five classes at the John Adams Campus. She likes
Chinese food.--Desirée
Desirée likes to go shopping downtown in her free time. She always gets
up by 7:00 AM. She goes to school by bus. She takes three classes a
day! She likes to eat Mexican food.--Yan Ling

Introductions
Julie doesn't have much spare time becasue she has to take care of her kids. She gets
up so early. she takes one class Monday to Friday and another one every Saturday.--
Felipe
She likes to go to Golden Gate Park. She gets up at 7:30 A.M. She walks to
school. She takes only one class. She eats homemade food.--Antonija
Felipe likes to read a book and play soccer in his spare time. In the
morning he gets up at 9:00. Then he goes to school. He takes two
classes and he likes to eat a lot of different kinds of food in his life.--Julie
May likes to work in her backyard. She gets up at 6:30. She comes to school by bus.
She takes four classes. She likes to eat Chinese food. This afternoon she wants to
rest.--David
Jorge likes to swim, read books, and go to the gym. He gets up at 7. He comes
to school by bus. He takes two classes. He likes Mexican food and seafood.--
Inna
Victoria likes to stay home and watch TV. She gets up at 6:00 in the
morning. She comes to school by bus. She takes one class. She likes to
eat Chinese food. She wants to sleep this afternoon.--Rui Ming
I like to stay home in my spare time. Sometimes I watch TV or do some housework.--

Victoria
My classmate Yuriy is an old man who is good at math and physics. He gets up
at 8 o'clock every morning. After breakfast he and his wife walk around Golden
Gate Park for about 45 minutes, and then they walk to school at 10 o'clock. In
the afternoon, Yuriy teaches Russian students math and physics. He has no
American students because his English is too limited. Now he has many
students so he is very busy. He has no spare time.--Zhao
Zhao has three classes at John Adams Campus this semester. She likes
to sleep when she has spare time. We spoke about math in American
schools.--Yuriy
I like to cook and go shopping. I get up at 6:30 am. I come to school by bus. I take one
class. I like to eat Chinese food. I want to go to the supermarket.--Choi-Fung

San Francisco
I came here for the first time in November, 2003 and I was surprised about the bridges
and hills because I didn't imagine these things were that exciting. I don't like the
weather here. It's so cold in comparison with Mexico. There it is warm. I like San
Francisco because the people are very friendly and there are many places to visit. My
favorite places are Golden Gate Park, North Beach to eat and Union Square to shop. If
my friend came to visit, I would take a cable car on Powell Street so my friend could
enjoy the hills and views of the city. We would go to visit Chinatown, Fisherman's
Wharf, Pier 39, and Golden Gate Park.--Desirée
I came to San Francisco eight and a half years ago. The first time I was very
scared, because I didn't know one word of English or the letters either. It was a
very serious time for me, and when my sister-in-law told me, "Look, there is
such a beautiful park here next to your apartment," I thought it didn't matter
where the park was. I thought, "How can I live, if I'm dumb?" Now I like this
Golden Gate Park. It is a really beautiful park. When I get tired I go to the park to
rest.--Nelli
I think San Francisco is the best city and I have liked this city since 1976.
This city has beautiful weather, the people are very friendly, and this city
has a lot of sights, for example, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's
Wharf, Twin Peaks, etc. Also, this city has many different kinds of food
which I enjoy very much. I feel very lucky to be in this city.--Nam
San Francisco is a beautiful city. I like this place. The people are friendly and open-
minded, and it's a cosmopolitan city. I have been living here for 7 months and my
experience has been wonderful. I love to run on the beach and play volleyball over the
weekend. My favorite places are North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. The most
important thing is that in San Francisco I have met very interesting people.--Jorge

San Francisco
I came to San Francisco at first in 1979. I took my five-year old son to visit my
friend and stayed a few days. At that time it was only sightseeing famous
places. This time, I've been here since last October to find out a lot about
America and to learn English. I've been living here and I've felt the atmosphere
of the Bay Area. I was surprised there are many people from all over the world,
so I think this isn't America but it is America. I've really enjoyed spending every
day here. As it's more expensive to rent a room here, I moved to Albany. Now,
my most favorite place is the Ferry Building.--Keiko
I know many good places in San Francisco. First, I like Ocean Beach,
where I can see the sunrise and sunset. Second, I like John Adams
Campus, because I can walk to school across Golden Gate Park. It is a
remarkable, beautiful, and very interesting park. Each morning I walk from
my house to school and each afternoon I walk back. I did this a lot of
times, but every morning I want to go to school again.--Yuriy
I have been living in San Francisco for the last two years. When my daughter Mani
was two months old, she got thalassemia (She can't produce her own blood) and
therefore we came here for her treatment. When I first arrived in San Francisco, I was
surprised because we are basically from the Third world, but now San Francisco looks
like my own city. I like San Francisco very much. The people are very nice, broad-
minded, and loving. San Francisco is also famous for its tourist spots, museums, and
especially for its weather. I like Pier 39 because my daughter likes Pier 39.--
Muhammad
I arrived in San Francisco 7 months ago. I like this city very much. I have many
reasons for it. First, I got married to my husband here. Second, this city is very
beautiful, and the people are very friendly. When I went to college I met many
students from different countries and it's very interesting for me because I've
always been interested in different cultures and customs. I like the weather and
nature of San Francisco. Almost every day I go walking in Golden Gate Park. I
like to eat out in this city because the food is very different and tasty. One thing
is very bad in San Francisco--this place is very expensive.--Inna
I have been living in San Francisco about four years. When I first came to
San Francisco, I was surprised with the weather that is very warm in the
winter and fall. The people in San Francisco are very friendly. I've found
many friends here. I'm never going to change San Francisco for another
city. All my relatives live in San Francisco.--David

San Francisco
I have been living in San Francisco for twenty years. When I first came to San
Francisco, I was surprised about everything that was new to me. BART was very clean
and enchanting, the downtown buildings were tall and big, and the stores were huge
and elegant. Every night was like Christmas; everywhere the lighting was bright and
colorful. This is totally different from my country. But when I saw Daly City, the houses
were like cartoon houses lined up. I expected big and tall buildings everywhere. I like
to live in San Francisco more than in another city because the transportation is very
convenient. I don't know how to drive, but I can take a bus around the city, and the bus
fare is cheap for seniors and the Chinese food is cheap too. If my friend comes to visit
me, I will show her first the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park Science
Museum, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin Peaks, downtown, the city library, and the last is
dirty Chinatown. If someone asked me to advise her about moving to San Francisco, I
would let her know the house rent is very high, and it's hard to find a job.--May
I have been living in San Francisco for many years. When I came here, I was so
surprised because I thought all the buildings and houses would be tall. San
Francisco was a very cold place. Also, I thought that place was not good for me
to live in, but later on I felt a little different. I got a job, made four friends in
school, and made two American friends near my house. First I was so scared
with my American friends because I don't speak enough English, but they are
very friendly to me and teach me a lot of different things about the culture, and I
practice more English with them.--Julie

Health and Exercise
Write a Paragraph about Health and Exercise.
Health is very important for everybody. We must keep doing exercises every day.
When I was young, I used to swim every morning, but now I don't any more because I
live in San Francisco, and there are not many pools in my neighborhood.--Victoria
I think that lifestyles are changing not only in my country but also in the world.
We were poor, so we didn't eat too much meat, but today we eat more
vegetables partly because we want to be healthier. We didn't have too many
choices about food, but now we have a lot of alternatives. Even dogs do too. I
think that the trend is good for us. Contrary to more concern about our health, is
that it is more common that a lot of young people smoke nowadays. People stay
out late at night and have fun. It was a more simple life before. I think it may be
the reason that it is easier for us to be sick than before, although we are
concerned more about our health.--Emily
I like exercise, especially running. When I was a child, I had bad health.
Now, I want to lose weight. When I was a child, I got many diseases. My
teacher told me if I ran every morning, I would get better. So I did it. I got
up at 6:30 AM every day and ran on the playground for two miles, not so
fast. After one year, I really got better! I kept running every morning until I
finished the university. Now I already have two kids. I want to lose weight,
so I will run every morning again, because it is easy. It will not only help
me lose weight, but it will keep my good health. More important, running
is the cheapest exercise and saves time.--Zhao
I'm from China. My native country's popular sport is baseball. All the sports are good
for health. I like exercise. I walk every day. I think it's good for health to eat more
vegetables.--Tiffany
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Health and Exercise
I do exercises once a week. Sometimes I walk in the park. Sometimes I do

some exercises in my backyard. I think it's good for health and always puts me
in a good mood. Soccer is very popular in my country, but I don't like to watch it.
I like to watch table tennis.--Li
I think health and exercise are very important for everyone. I am from
Vietnam. Vietnamese people like to play soccer and ping pong. Now I live
in America. I am really interested in watching football and basketball. I
watch every year. Also, I went to the stadium to watch the game. I really
enjoyed watching the players hit each other. I like to watch Olympics too.
The Olympic sports I'm interested in watching are running and swimming.
About my country lifestyles, people work hard and are poor, but
everybody still goes out to have fun on the weekend, to go dancing, to a
movie or a night club. As for diets, my idea to get on a diet is to go
running, swimming, and go to the gym to work out. It is not hard to get on
a diet. It is all in your mind. If you think you can do it, you can do it,
especially eating right, like white meat, vegetables, and eating at the right
time and not eating junk food. That will help you to get on a diet and you
will have good health.--Cuong
I like to swim and jog. They made me control my weight. I go jogging twice a week.
Soccer, volleyball, and ping pong are very popular in my country. I like to watch
volleyball, ice skating, and fishing. My most interesting Olympic sport is ice skating. In
my country, they used to wear "Burmese custom" only and now they wear pants,
blouses and jackets. Burma used to have not good medicines and doctors, but now
they do. I started to eat less at dinner and I've lost 16 pounds. My bad habit is I like to
eat candy and sweet desserts and I can't have them. I wish I could control myself to
cut them out.--Alice
When I was younger, I liked to play volleyball all the time. Also I was a good
volleyball player. But these few years I changed my mind because I couldn't find
someone to play with me and my husband and kids like to play football and
baseball, and like to watch them too. So I joined them and we play together
every weekend now. Sometimes, my cousins and nephews join us too. I have
another idea to talk about health habits. I'm on a diet now. My way is to do more
sports, eat more vegetables and fruits, some fish and not eat too much meat. I
lost 15 lbs. in one year.--Julie

Health and Exercise
Although playing tennis is not popular in our country, I've played tennis for
20 years. That's my great exercise. I've trained my legs and I've kept my
strength to play a long time on the court. The most important exercise of
all sports is doing stretching, not only before playing sports, but after
doing them. I hate smoking and drinking alcohol because they're very bad
for the human body, and of course for sports. Most people in Japan
smoke and drink, but they are getting better than 30 years ago, because
people got more knowledge and have changed their bad habits lately.--
Keiko
I like to take a walk in the park. I find it interesting because it helps me to be healthy
and sometimes I meet people from different countries and different occupations taking
a walk like me. Usually I take a walk once a week. The most popular sport in my
country, Colombia, is soccer, and I enjoy watching soccer too. I think volleyball is an
interesting Olympic sport. I think 50 years ago the people were the same as now. It
doesn't matter how many years ago. People were healthy then. Now, I think if you
have good eating habits and do exercises and avoid alcoholic drinks and drugs you
could be a healthy person.--Felipe
I like thinking exercise. Every morning when I wake up, I lay in bed and think
about different exercises that I can do. When I was a young man, my friend told
me about this German method, and I like it. But I like hard work. In my native
country, I had a big garden where I loved to work. Five days a week I went to my
university, and two days I went to my garden where I worked and rested. In that
time I had good health, a very good appetite, and didn't weigh too much.--Yuriy
I like to do exercises every morning and I like to run too. I've been doing
exercises for a long time, since April, 1943. I do my exercise for 30
minutes and run about 12 thousand steps. I liked to play soccer. It's the
favorite game in my native country. I like to watch hockey and basketball.
I like to eat all kinds of food. I was smoking for 27 years. I stopped
smoking in 1970. I don't like alcohol. I drink some beer and red wine. My
health is good for my years.--David
I wake up every day at 7:30 am, sometimes earlier. Sometimes I do a special exercise
for my spine, but not regularly because I'm a lazy person. But I walk to school every
day, for 40-45 minutes, and then home for 40-45 minutes. That is my main exercise.
Before when I was young I liked to swim and play volleyball and table tennis. Now I
like to watch skating and dance competitions on TV.--Nelli

Health and Exercise
I like swimming very much, but unfortunately now I don't have such a possibility.
I go walking to Golden Gate Park almost every day. The winter is long enough in
my country that people have the possibility of going skiing. Estonia is a very
small country, but Estonian skiiing athletes won many medals at the last
Olympics. Actually, I don't like to watch TV because I like activity, but dancing
on ice is very beautiful. I don't want to be a victim of advertising and hate the
discussion about diets on TV. But I try to watch what I eat. I don't smoke, don't
like fat food, but..hmmm...I like sweets very much.--Inna
I like to ride a mountain bike. I often ride my bike to school and ride in
Golden Gate Park. In Mexico City it is difficult to ride a bike on the streets.
I took spinning classes (stationary bicycle) three days a week. In Mexico,
football (soccer) and boxing are the most important sports. Football is
considered a family sport because families watch the football game
together. I like to watch football and tennis. I don't like to watch sports
when the players hit each other. The Olympics are exciting for me.--
Desirée
For health and exercise I will choose swimming. The first reason is I like swimming
very much because swimming made me change my life! Four years ago, I was a fat
kid. At that time I was still in school studying, but the fat made me unhappy, and made
me tired. All my friends didn't like to play with me because I was fat. But later I heard
my mother say, every day I should go to swim. I can lose weight, and I do whatever my
mother tells me. Later, it was like my mother said. I lost 20 kg. After that, I felt I was
more beautiful than before, and I wasn't feeling tired any more. Also, all my friends
liked to play with me and now I'm very lucky to get a very nice husband, and be
healthy. That's why I like swimming. The second reason swimming gives me pleasure
is to be Chinese, because every time in the Olympic sports, for the diving, China is first
or second. It makes me happy to be Chinese.--Jasmin

The guards said, "Why did you do that? You know, we'd guess you were a thief. Don't
do that again. If you want a young lady to have lunch with you, you can tell her."--
Victoria
I think the man put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a note because he
can't talk and he also needs the people's help. That's why he took the note and
wrote something down. He needed their help. After they finished helping him, he
also wanted to invite them to have lunch together.--Yan Ling (Jasmin)
"Do you know me?" "I just started working today. Someone tell me." "We
were classmates in high school. I'm John. Do you remember me now?"
"Just one second. Now I remember you. Is your nickname Pigi? Long
time no see. What's up?"--Yoon-Saing
Then I said to that person, "I'm so sorry about this. I was just afraid you might rob me."
That guy said, "Would you still like to have lunch with me? So I had lunch with him that
day. After a year I got married to him. I fell in love with him because he is a very
intelligent and kind guy.--Simin
She was new and didn't have much experience. Therefore, everyone looked
suspicious to her and it's very common because experience makes a person
perfect. Some people are scared of their own shadow.--Muhammed
I was surprised and confused, because I didn't see him before. I told the
guards, "I'm very sorry about this occasion." This man was calm. He
explained that he fell in love with me, but I'm married, so this case was
over.--Nelli
After that, I think that person felt so sorry about the man she made the mistake about.
She should explain to him about her inexperience at the job, and she should try to get
used to being more relaxed every day if she wants to work in the bank.--Julie
After she read the note, she called the police officer. She read the note to the
guards and she explained the big mistake. The guards said the man was free.
She needed to talk to the man and apologize because she felt guilty.--
Desir&eactute;e

Oh my goodness, I felt so embarrassed. "I am so sorry, but I am afraid

that I can't have lunch with you," I said. "That is too bad. Couldn't you
think about it?" "No, thank you." I didn't want to be laughed at by my
colleagues although that did happen to me! I won't forget it either.--Emily
At that time, I felt so sorry. He just wanted lunch with me. Probably he was a very shy
man. I turned around and told the guards, "I'm very sorry. There is nothing wrong. I
thought something would happen before, but now I know I just misunderstood. Please
let him go." I told him, "I'd like to have lunch with you."--Li
I think the whole story was an overreaction. She needs to be relaxed and
concentrate on what she is doing. She can also get into trouble with her
supervisor. If it's true, it's okay. Otherwise, when she pushes the alarm, the
guards might think it is a real robbery and pull their guns in front of the
customers and someone could get shot.--Alice.
"Oh, my goodness! I'm sorry. I thought you were a robber but it's not good
to approach me like that." Soon after that the man was released and
asked her to have lunch together with him again. She was still nervous
but she was interested in his behavior and thought it was an unforgettable
experience. So she told him she would join him for lunch. After six
months, they got married.--Keiko
After all these problems the man asked me about lunch again. He was very nice and I
decided to go with him to a bar. He met me after my job and we went together.
Unfortunately, while we were sitting in the bar, I realized he was a very strange person.
I don't like this kind of person. They like to make unusual surprises and to shock very
much. I don't like a relationship like an earthquake and I told him good-bye, but very
gently.--Inna
The man was interested in meeting the woman. He liked her, but the woman
didn't understtand what he wanted because she didn't read the note. After she
read the note, she told the man that she was married, and she didn't want to
have lunch with him. The man went out of the bank. This story very often
happens in life.--David
When I read the note, I asked the guards not to hold the man and to the
man I said, "I am sorry. I thought you were a robber. You are the first man
who asked me to lunch. I want to eat right now with you." We went to a
restaurant and had a good and long lunch. Many lunches. So I met my
husband while I was working in the bank.--Yuriy

Today is my first day working at the bank. I had an accident. I was careless, excited
and nervous, so next time I must act carefully and bravely. Let the time train me.
Maybe in one or two months, I will get better and know how to handle the job.--May
I looked at the note and my face turned red. I was embarrassed. The guards let
the man go. We apologized to him. I asked him for his phone number. He was
embarrased, gave his number to me and then went away. One Sunday I was
off. I called him and asked him out. After that we became good friends. Also, I'm
not afraid someone might rob me. I enjoy my job.--Miao Ming

Misunderstandings
Write about a Language Misunderstanding.
One day when I came to America, I decided to make a cake. I stopped at Safeway to
get the flour to bake it. I didn't speak any English. I couldn't read the label. I got salted
flour. I made a salted cake. When my family served it, nothing was eaten because it
needed to be sweet.--Antonija
One day during the first week I was in San Francisco, my friend and I were
shopping in Safeway supermarket. We felt ravenous, so we bought some
cookies to eat. We found so many cookies outside marked "5¢ off" or "25¢ off."
We thought they were cheap, so both of us brought a lot to the counter. Then
we paid the cashier. Finally we understood that we made a mistake. We thought
the prices for the cookies were five cents and 25 cents.--Florence
One day while my friend walked in the shopping mall, he couldn't find
where the toys were. So, he asked a salesclerk, "Can you tell me where
the toys are?" The salesclerk said, "Sure. You go down the stairs, and
then turn right. You can see it." My friend walked there, saw a women's
room and a men's room and he said, "Oh my God." The clerk thought he
wanted the toilet.--Victoria
I think many people get problems when they are old. Maybe only a little bit, or maybe
more. For example, my grandmother got a little problem with her ear when she was 70
years old. She can't hear very well, but this problem makes us smile. For example,
three months ago, I called her and asked her, "Grandmother, how is your body?" and
she said, "Now it's very early for eating." I said again, "Grandmother, how is the
weather over there?" She answered me, "I will cook later."--Jasmin
This story happened about two years ago. I started to go to school and my
cousin brought his girlfriend to have lunch. I didn't speak English but I used to
practice it. Then when we finished the lunch I asked her if she liked the lunch
and she said , "Yes, it was very good." but I had problems with two words,
"peach" and "beach." When she finished I asked her if she wanted a beach. My
cousin started to laugh and explained the confusion to her. After that she started
to laugh too.--Jaime
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Misunderstandings
One day my friend and I went to the market, bought some canned tuna,
and made tuna sandwiches. My sister looked at the can of tuna and then
started to laugh. She said, "Why did you buy catfood tuna?"--Tiffany
When I was studying in the university, the number of the classrooms during the first
days of the semester were very confusing. The computer made several mistakes.
Some students went to the classroom printed in their programs and many times it was
the wrong classroom. However, they sat in the class and said in the middle of the
class, "This isn't math." The rest of the classmates laughed at them.--Desirée
When I came to the United States I went to school and my first friend was a guy
from a little hometown in Central America. We became good friends. One day
he invited me to have lunch in his house, and I went to his home. His mother
served the lunch to us. I met his brother. They said, "Enjoy" and they started to
eat and after five minutes they said, "Why don't you start to eat? Don't you like
our food?" I said, "I like it but I need a spoon or a fork to eat." Then they said,
"Sorry, usually we don't use spoons or forks." Finally, my friend brought me a
spoon and I began to eat.--Felipe
My friend May visited San Francisco last month. She couldn't speak
English very well. One day she took the bus to Chinatown. She pushed
the button to get off the bus but the door didn't open, so she said, "Back
door please." Then somebody told her, "Step down." She didn't
understand what that meant. She got off the bus at the front door.
One day, I went to the outlet on Geary and bought a lot of things because there was
an after Christmas sale. I went to the front counter to pay. I heard the clerk talk to me
and it sounded like, "Do you need a bag?" I was not quite sure and a little nervous, so I
said, "Pardon?" although I thought in my mind, "Of course I do." I usually say "No"
when I don't catch what people are talking about. Then she said it again, but I still
didn't understand what she meant. I decided to say, "Yes." Then I saw she put the
receipt into a bag with what I bought. Finally I understood what she meant.--Emily
When I first came to San Francisco my English was bad. I didn't understand
many words. One time I was going to buy cream. I was looking for cheap food. I
bought a can of cream that was the cheapest. When I came home I looked in a
dictionary and found out that I bought a fat-free cream that I didn't need.--David
I've made many mistakes in buying things at the supermarket. I like to buy
French bread, but I didn't know what "sour" meant and when I tasted it
sometimes I liked it and other times I didn't, and I didn't know why. Now I
understand why.--Wendick

Misunderstandings
Well, I remember that one day in the gym I put hair spray on as deodorant in my armpit
because both were near. And that same day I used shaving cream like conditioner and
mouthwash like shampoo. It was a big mistake because I didn't know how to read
English.--Jorge
One day when I was doing the laundry I forgot to read the instructions. They
were fine sweaters. After I finished the laundry they had all shrunk. Since then I
always read the instructions before I do the laundry.--Nam
One day, my friend and coworker came back from work. She was very
tired and hungry, so she went straight to the kitchen counter and grabbed
a can of food. She opened it and ate it. Early in the morning her mother
woke up and looked for her cat food but she realized that she couldn't find
it. Maybe her daughter might have eaten it. It's a true story. My friend ate
the cat food without looking at the label.--Alice
When I just arrived in San Francisco, I was very shy about using my English. Although
I had some English knowledge, I was very embarrassed when somebody began to
speak with me. I liked to go walking in Golden Gate Park and very often people asked
me about the way to somewhere. I made a mistake very often because I said,
"Right" (meaning okay) and pointed straight ahead. The poor poor people who talked
to me didn't know which way they had to choose.--Inna
My teacher told me this joke. She said, "One day a man wanted to park his car.
He asked someone, "Can I park here?" The man listening thought he said, "Can
I bark here?" because the man's pronunciation wasn't good. However, the man
didn't know that, and he said, "This is a free country. You can do anything you
want."--Li
This is what I heard from someone before. A Japanese student was on a

"home stay" with an American family. One day, the mother called her,
"Dinner is ready!" She answered immediately, "Thanks, I'm going." When
she came downstairs to the kitchen, she saw that they were eating, but
there was no dinner for her. So she was very surprised at that and felt like
going back home. She should have said, "I'm coming down soon."--Keiko

Misunderstandings
"The Cookies" is a story about two friends who go to a foreign country, but one of them
doesn't know the foreign language. The other one does. When they travel to a small
town in Germany, they feel hungry and they want to eat something. So they go to buy
cookies. First they want to buy the expensive cookies. Later they go to buy the cheap
ones but to their surprise, they buy dog biscuits. They make a mistake by not knowing
the foreign language. If we have time, we need to learn more languages to
communicate more easily with other people.--May
I think they were laughing a lot on their way because they were very hungry and
didn't have too much money to buy good food. Also, they misunderstood the
language and that's why they ate the dog biscuits.--Julie
Around thirty years ago, Johnny Yoon came to America. Do you know his
name? He is still a famous comedian in Korea and the USA. He can't
speak English very well. He can not get a job in Hollywood. One day, he
was hungry and didn't have enough money for dinner. He went to the
supermarket to take a look at the shelves. He was happy there was so
much cheap dogfood. He bought many cans. He ate the canned food in
the street because he was starving. Later on, he needed to go to the
bathroom, so he lifted up one leg like a dog. Do you know a lot of Asian
people eat dog meat, but not me.--Yoon Saing
The Khayber Pass is very famous. Every year many tourists come to visit. One day a
woman wanted to buy some vegetables. She saw kachaloo, a local vegetable. She
asked a farmer, "What is this?" The farmer said, "Oh, you powerful lady. Do you know
this is the brother of the potato." (The kachaloo looks like a potato.)--Muhammad

Food
Everybody needs food to eat. Some people enjoy eating in a restaurant, and some
people enjoy making their own meals at home. There are many kinds of food that we
can buy, so we can taste the different styles we want, and try foods from different
countries. In America, it is very easy for us to find special food to eat because people
from many different countries have opened their style restaurant. If we have enough
money to spend we can eat many, many, kinds of meals. We can invite our friends to
try them. It is very convenient, so many people want to come here.--Florence
In my native country, women usually eat at home and cook at home. Only men
go to a teahouse or restaurant. I think Chinese women still follow the old
Chinese tradition and they are too scared to look at all the different faces. But
over here, men and women are all the same, eat at the same table, talk, and
play in the same places together. Nobody cares who looks at you.--Julie
When I was in my country, I always ate rice, vegetables, and meat, but
now I am in America. I had a big change. I can eat any kind of food in San
Francisco. I like to eat pizza and Vietnamese food, but I hate
hamburgers.--Tiffany
When I came here, I had a big problem with my son, because we ate differently in our
country and I didn't know where to buy everything that we like to eat. For example, the
tortillas are different in El Salvador. Here I have to make them because although there
are many things from Mexico, they are similar but not the same. Some fruits,
vegetables, seasonings and spices are difficult to find. I brought my cookbook but I
think that cooking here like in my country is expensive. Some popular foods in my
country are: tamales, pupusas, pasteles (corn and beef filling), empanadas (platano
with milk). I miss Salvadorean cheese, cream, etc. A good breakfast in my country is:
platanos, eggs, beans, cheese and French bread. When I cook like this my husband
and my son become happy.--Wendick

Food
I like to eat any kind of food. When I lived in my country, I lived by myself for my
job around 15 years. Three times a day, every day, I went to a restaurant.
sometimes I went to a Chinese restaurant, but I almost always went to a Korean
restaurant. I've eaten every kind of food except dog meat and snake. But all the
time I wanted to eat home-made food. Restaurant food is just delicious, but not
good healthy food--you get hungry fast. For example, a long time ago my wife
got pregnant. If we went to a restaurant and then to a check-up for a blood test
and cholesterol test, the test results were not so good. They use a lot of
seasoning. Now, sometimes we eat out for the kids, but I don't like it. No money,
no time, not healthy. But my wife complains too much. She says, "I'm working
too much for food."--Yoon-Saing
Well...Some eating habits have changed since I first arrived here. I was
used to eating very spicy food and eating three times a day. Sometimes I
went to the restaurants in my country, and a few times I cooked. Now my
life is different because I almost never cook. I eat two times a day
(sometimes once a day) because I'm always busy. I go to the restaurant
three times a week and I have tried Italian food, Cuban food, Thai food,
and Chinese food. I love seafood, and of course, MEXICAN FOOD!--Jorge
Because I came here just a few months ago and I am not adventurous, I have little
experience with these topics. It's so different from my native country because eating
outside is much more expensive than eating at home. I need to pay tips for a lot of
things that I still haven't gotten used to. There are a lot of kinds of food at the
supermarket that I don't know what they are. I learn about them from the supermarket
advertisements. I know I can be more adventurous and experience more different
cultures and open my mind and enjoy life here.--Emily
I like the American eating style. It it always convenient, enjoyable, and often too
much for me. I like to go to the supermarket here. There are a lot of different
vegetables from those in our country. The first difference is its size. How big are
they? I think it's caused by the soil. The next one is color. How colorful are they?
Yesterday I bought sweet potatoes to cook. I planned to boil those with apples,
but I was so surprised to look at the cut surface. It was colored orange! I've
never seen those sweet potatoes in my country. While I was cooking, I was
doubtful about the results. Finally, I added raisins. That was a very nice dish!--
Keiko

Food
In Mexico, usually the food is fresh. The Mexican dishes are spicy and
many times they have a lot of condiments. These condiments are
sometimes stronger and heavier for tourists. One difference between
American and Mexican customs is we eat three times a day: 1. Breakfast
is between 7:00 and 9:00 am. We take a big meal, for example, 2 eggs
with bacon, beans, tortillas or bread and juice or milk. 2. Our lunch often
is at 2:00 pm. This is the biggest meal. This time we have soup, salad,
beef or chicken or seafood. 3. At night we take something light for dinner
around 9:00 pm. The people always need tortillas with their dishes.--
Desirée
I'm from Guangzhou in China. There are many wonderful foods in Guangzhou. Eating
is very important to the population of Guangzhou. Everything must be fresh. In this
city, the way people shop for food is different from other cities. They might buy as little
meat or fruit as they can, under 1/4 pounds, because they think if they buy a lot of food
then they can't keep the food fresh and they want to eat the freshest food. I think this is
the special thing in my country. But in Beijing, usually people don't buy food like this.
They buy at least more than 1 pound of food at a time.--Simin
Everybody likes to eat food, for the body and for health. Some people like hot
and sour food, but some don't. As for me, I like hot and sour food because our
country is in the equator zone and it is very humid and hot. I like my Burmese
fish soup with rice noodles. When you eat it you can add a little chili and lemon.
When I first arrived in America I liked hamburgers, spaghetti, and tuna
sandwiches and I liked to eat vegetable salads too, but now I feel so-so.
However, lastly I like my own country's Burmese food we usually cook at home--
spicy curry chicken with little potatoes and noodle salad. Burmese people mostly
cook at home. Occasionally they eat out.--May
I like to try things I've never done before, so I like to try different food from
different countries. I already tasted American food, Japanese food,
Taiwan food, Indian food, Mexican food, and Italian food, but my favorite
food is Chinese food. I can buy all of the food that I want in Chinatown in
America. People almost always buy food every day in my native country.
They can eat very fresh food. But now, I buy food once a week because I
don't have enough time to go shopping.--Li

Food
I really like Chinese food and I don't like Japanese food. It smells fishy. Since I got to
the United States I've eaten pizza and hamburger, and also Mexican, Thai and
Vietnamese food. In my country we go to the market every morning and evening
because there are no refrigerators. We buy fresh meat and vegetables to cook right
away. When I arrived in the United States, there weren't too many Burmese
restaurants or grocery stores around here. They now have a lot of Burmese grocery
stores and you can buy most things. In my country we use our hands to eat lunch and
dinner and now I use a fork and spoon. In Burma we don't have supermarkets so we
have to go to the bazaar. It's an outdoor market. In Burma most of the people cook at
home. They didn't have too many restaurants but now they do.--Alice
Some American foods are different from Russian foods. There are some kinds
of vegetables and fruit. I like all kinds of American food. In my country people
buy food in markets most of the time. Cities always have 4 to 5 big markets.
There are all kinds of fruit. People buy bread only at the bakery. Sometimes they
buy macaroni, spaghetti, and sauce at the shops. I don't like eating in
restaurants. I like to eat at home. Sometimes once a year I go to a restaurant.--
David

Animals
I have gone to the zoo four times and I have enjoyed being there. I like to see how the
animals live. My favorite animal is the giraffe. I love them. I think they are fascinating. I
like to see them but I have never had a pet because I think that they need much care.
My son often tells me he wants to have a dog. I hope some day I can give one to him
and that he will take care of his pet himself. In my family, everyone likes to see
animals. We visit the zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, or watch TV programs about their
lives.--Wendick
I never had a pet in my house, but I like to play with cats and dogs. My sister-in-
law has two cats. One is a male and one is a female. When I visit her, I play with
them. I feed him fresh meat and he likes it very much, but he hates to play with
me. I take him in my arm and he jumps out. He never eats before his friend eats.
It was very interesting for me. He loves my sister-in-law's husband very much.
He looked at him and I saw all his love in his eyes. His eyes tell her husband, "I
love you very much." and every time it jumped into his arms and sat on his
knees.--Nelli
In Burma, people don't treat pets like in the U.S. Most pets are on the
street and no one really owns one. In my country it is very beautiful and a
lot of tall trees are around and there is good fresh air. In America there
are too many cars so the air is not fresh. I enjoy visiting the zoo and
watching all different kinds of species. In my country they allowed most
pets in your house but no one really raised pets before. However, now
they raise animals like dogs, cats, and goldfish. I used to have a dog but
now I only raise goldfish and birds.--Alice
Today environmental problems is a big issue. Humans are making new factories to
make their economy strong and their lives easier, but the other side is too many
factories make our environment dirty and unsafe. Therefore diseases are increasing
day by day. We need to protect our environment not only for ourselves but for the next
generation. Every country has its own environmental problems. In my native country,
poverty, lack of education, and an increase in population cause other types of
environmental problems.--Muhammad

Animals
In my native country, many families have a dog, but sometimes I'm very afraid of
the dog. If the dog never saw you, he thinks you are a stranger and sometimes
he'll bite you. These things always happen in my country. It's a big problem.
Some restaurants have dog meat to eat in my country. I know this is against the
law in America. American people think eating dogs is very ridiculous. They treat
pets very kindly. Some of them treat pets like they treat their son or daughter. I
don't know why people eat dog meat in my country.--Li Ying
When I was a child, I had some kinds of animals, fishes, and birds.
Sometimes I had many of them. I like all kinds of canaries, birds that can
sing. I like to go to the zoo and look at all kinds of animals. I like
elephants, lions, and tigers. Most animals are very friendly. I like to read
books about animals' lives. I never killed any animals or birds. I don't like
people who kill them.--David
I like animals very much. Unfortunately, I've never had a pet although all my life I've
dreamed about having a dog. I think Americans treat pets the same way they are
treated in my country, but in my country there are many homeless animals. In the USA
people take better care of pets. I don't like zoos because I feel sorry for the animals,
but I like seeing animals and I want to visit a national park in the USA, where animals
roam free. I think environmental problems are similar in the USA and in my country.
For example, automobile pollution, overfishing, pollution of water and air, and forest
cutting.--Inna
When I was a little girl, I didn't grow up with a lot of animals. I had seen houses
with dogs and birds, but I never had an animal as my pet. I came to the United
States in 1976 and I found a cat on the street in September of that year. I
brought the cat with me to my apartment. The cat stayed with me from that time
on and I started to like the cat very much, but my apartment didn't allow cats, so
I hid the cat for a couple of months. A few months later, my landlord found out
about the cat. He told me that I couldn't have an animal in his building, so I had
to give the cat away and I felt so sad.--Nam

Animals
When I was a kid, my uncle fed a lot of rabbits. That was a time when we
didn't have some pet food and animal food. We had to go to the mountain
and wild fields for food. One time a big dog bit me and I almost died. We
also had many good memories. Time flew. That story is already over forty
years old. Now I live in San Francisco. There are too many pet animals
and pet stores everywhere, but sometimes I don't understand it. Many
single people have many cats and dogs. They are lonely and protect
themselves. It's ok, but they spend too much money for pets. Even if we
go to the park, so many times we have been angry and scared because
of someone's pet. My kids asked me, "Why don't you buy a cat or a dog?"
I told them, "Mom and dad have enough with three kids. Do you know
feeding one pet is more difficult than a kid? Three kids is enough for us.
One day you can get rich and you can get a child. You can buy one for
your kid. Even 10 to 100 pets is okay. It's up to you and your kids. One
day, you should take care of your family and your lives will be like mom
and dad's."--Yoon-Saing
When I was a little girl, my family had a small and nice dog in my country. His name
was Jimmy. He always protected us and our house. I remembered one night one
strange man wanted to get in our house to steal our sewing machine. Jimmy knew him
and wanted him to get out of the house, but the man didn't go away. He still tried to
open the door until Jimmy chased him and bit him. Then he went away. Two days
later, he killed our nice pet. It was so sad for us. That's right, I have never forgotten
him in my life.--Julie
People are more concerned about the environment now. It is a trend in the
world. We make national parks to protect animals and trees. In this way,
America is much better than my country. We can drink water directly here. It's
amazing because in my country we even need to buy mountain water because
the water is polluted. We are educated to put trash into different kinds of trash
containers according to the kinds. I am surprised to see there is just one kind of
garbage container here in the street. We need to pay extra for the bags if we
buy goods without bringing our own bags. Here I am surprised that I can take a
lot of bags to put some things in I bought. It changes a little bit of my impression
about America. (It's not so good as I used to think.)--Emily

Animals
I like pets. They are cute and clever. I only enjoy looking at them, but I
can't take one home with me. In America, there are a lot of cute pets of
different sizes, different kinds of pets from other countries. Some are from
cool countries and some from hot countries, but all American pets look
very cute and lovely. When some person sees the cute pets, they want to
bring them home, but not me. I have to take care of my five children. I
don't have spare time to take care of a pet. In our country, pets are very
cheap. They run all over the street. Sometimes a car hits them and runs
over them. They have dog diseases and if they bite people, the people
will die within 7 to 10 days. It is very dangerous. They don't have pet food,
nor probably a place for them, so dogs are dangerous in our country.--May
I can see the people who live here taking dogs with them for a walk, and they are
trained, but how about cats? I hardly see cats walking outside the house. I guess they
are always inside. This is different from our country. Cats can walk outside freely even
if they are kept in the house. Dogs are not free, but cats are free in Japan. I used to
keep a dog which died last year from a disease. She was a scared dog, and had
diabetes for the last year. That was caused by what I fed her. I apologized to her.--
Keiko
I like to see cats and dogs, but I don't want to have my own cat or dog. I think
cats and dogs like to live on the street, in the park or wood, but I like to live at
home, so people and animals don't live together. My mother loved cats very
much. She had cats at home all the time, and I was always at war with them. I
usually did homework on the window sill, and the cat liked to lie on the window
sill.--Yuriy

My Native City
Write About Your Native City
I used to live in the east end of Tokyo. Tokyo doesn't have good scenery. Although the
downtown is filled with busy people, too many buildings and cars, it has a really
beautiful night landscape in front of Tokyo Bay. I moved back to San Francisco last
week and have been living on the upper side of a hill. There I can see the most
incredible landscape every morning and night. I can't describe the inspirational view of
dawn, the rising sun and the brilliant night. Nature and humans are combined so much
more here in San Francisco than in Tokyo. Tokyo is more artificial than San
Francisco.--Keiko
My hometown city, Jinjoo, is part of South Korea. When I was a kid, we had a lot
of places to play, for example, mountains, rivers and wild fields. Even if we
played outside, we never came back home until it was dark. Some parents used
to look for their child. Our city had a population of 100,000 to 150,000, not too
big and not too small. I left around 30 years ago. My relatives and some of my
friends still live over there. We have a long history in my city. We still have a
good history museum, good sightseeing places including a castle. I think now a
lot of things have changed. There are too many apartments and the population
is getting bigger all the time. I get homesick. That place was our home for 3
generations. Do you know who is happy? In my opinion, just stay in your
hometown, with relatives and friends. That's enough. Life is short! Don't argue!
Don't fight! Make peace with your mind and body.--Yoon Saing
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~lfried/writing/nativecity2.html (1 of 4)17.10.2007 19:15:45

My Native City
My native city is Kyaikto. It's located in Myanmar. I lived in Kyaikto. It's the
bottom part of Myanmar. The capital city is Rangoon. Most of the well-
known museums are located in Rangoon. My country's weather is very
hot and humid. The only cold season is December. When it rains, it rains
a lot. There is a lot of thunder and lightning. Most of the concrete
buildings are located in Rangoon, Mandalay, Prome, and other big cities.
In small cities most of the houses are built of wood and are very small.
Most people shop at markets and bazaars. Burmese people's daily lives
involve farming. 80% of Burmese people are farmers. My country and
San Francisco are very different. Most of the streets are sand and rocks.
Only big cities have concrete. In San Francisco most people close the
door and go to work daily. In Burma, most of the men go to work and the
women stay home. The doors are always open. They only close the doors
at night time. They don't have too many electric things. Big cities have
more electric things than small cities. Burma is a very beautiful country
and is surrounded by a lot of Buddhas, trees, mountain and rivers. I really
love my country. My childhood life in Burma was a dream.--Alice
My native city is Seoul, Korea. I know that my hometown is very well-known by

everybody now. I would like to write about my advice if you visit Korea. There is a lot of
traffic in Seoul. It means very often cars fill the street and vehicles can not move
forward. If you want to meet someone somewhere you should leave your home or
hotel an hour earlier.--Myoung-Sook
My native city is a very educated and respectful town. There was a population of
125,000 when I lived there. When I lived there, my mother taught me to respect
other people and bow to older people and they gave me some money. So when
I was a little girl, I used to love bowing to older people because they gave me
money. This is the greatest culture in my country and hometown.--Nam
I want to talk about a little museum in my native city, Canton, China. In

our museum I remember there are a lot of old things, old tradition styles,
and Chinese old history to let all Chinese know and remember. But over
here, the museums are more interesting because inside the museums
there is a lot of different information about different cultures. That's why
when my kid's school goes to the museum, I always voluteer to go with
them.--Julie

My Native City
In Russia I lived in a small town near Moscow. Its name is Noginsk. Before the
revolution in 1917, its name was Bogorodsk. It means "This place was created by
God." Now our Mayor wants to return this name to our town. I hope it will happen soon.
Bogorodsk is the real name for my town because there are many big and beautiful
trees. Bogorodsk sits on a big river, Klyazma. The town has a museum of history,
theaters, a school of music, and a school of arts. There are many great people who
lived there. I really miss my small and beautiful town.--Elena
My native city is Rangoon. It is the capital city of Burma. Rangoon is not a very
developed city. It doesn't have many highways and modern buildings. It has a
museum but it's not very big. It is a new building and inside it has only native
antiques. The weather is terrible, mostly hot and rainy. The country's products
are famous Burma jade and teak. These two things are very famous in the
world. The people live by farming and they don't have many big shopping malls.
If you compare it with San Francisco it is dramatically different. If you want to
visit, it is a great idea. You can see a Golden Pagoda. This pagoda is also
famous in the world. Don't miss it. Come to visit Rangoon and you will feel
surprised.
My native city is located in Mexico. It's name is Catemaco. There's a big

lagoon by the city where people go to swim and fish. The weather is
warm all year long. The mountains and trees are green. If you want to go
there you don't have to worry about much money. Things are not
expensive.--Jorge
Wu Han is my native city It is located in the center of China. I love my city We have
four seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In the spring, all of the flowers
blossom. It's very beautiful. In the winter, we can make snowmen on the snow. Huang
He Lou is a popular building in my native city. It attracts many many tourists.--Li
I lived in an Estonian town called Narva. It's a small industrial town not far from
the sea. I like it because I like water very much. There are many beautiful places
in my town: an old castle, nice parks, the river beach. Narva has a few
museums and an art gallery. San Francisco is a big city. It's a difference
between it and my native town. The similarities are only water around the city. I
like to live close to the ocean very much.--Inna

My Native City
Now I have two native cities: Odessa, located on the Black Sea and San
Francisco, on the Pacific Ocean. Old Odessa is a very beautiful city, but
the new districts have standard houses, like the Sunset in San Francisco.
Odessa and San Francisco have many theaters, museums, and
universities. But Odessa and San Francisco have many differences. One
is that in Odessa I worked as a teacher in a university, and in San
Francisco I am a student at John Admas Campus. I don't know what is
the best. --Yuriy
My native city is Odessa. It is located on the Black Sea. Odessa is a beautiful city with
many museums. In Odessa there is an excellent opera building. It was built in 1885.
Then it was repaired many times. The Black Sea is warm in the summer and many
people swim in the summer.--Nelli
I was born in a rural and small city called San Miguel but my family moved to the
capital of my country, San Salvador, when I was 6 months old. This is a modern
city where you can find a lot of similarities with San Francisco. For example,
people work in big buildings, live in apartment buildings or houses, and shop in
similar malls. But there are two big differences: the weather is warm all the time
and you can enjoy the beaches and go to them because they are close to the
city and it's easy to get there.--Wendick
My native city is Odessa in Ukraine. It's a very beautiful and nice town. It
has many famous places. If you want to visit my country you have to see
the beaches, Lungeron, Arcadia and Golden Beach. Odessa has an
Opera Palace that is famous in Europe. Odessa is a very big port that is
known in all places in all countries. Odessa has many museums, a big
zoo and parks.--David
The name of my native city is Peshawar. Peshawar is a 2,000-year-old city. The old
name of my native city was Pahkalawati. The Peshawar Valley was the central place
of the Gandhara civilization. It's still very attractive for archeologists. Peshawar is at
the junction between South Asia and Central Asia. Merchants from Central Asia came
to Peshawar. In Peshawar, the Qissa-Khawani Bazaar (storytelling bazaar) is very
famous. People and merchants came to the bazaar and they told stories to each other
and drank green tea.

Families
In my country, all families are different and relations between the wife, husband, and
children are different too. In my country, most women must work because the husband
has very low wages. I worked for 43 years in my life and worked very hard. When I had
my son I was with him only 5 months and then I had to work again. The babysitter was
my neighbor, who was pregnant. When my son was one year old, I put him in nursery
school. At 7 years old, he went to school. That was a very difficult time for me because
he had to stay alone at home after school and nobody could help me but I had a nice
neighbor.--Nelli
In my native country, most women have to work to help make money due to the
expensive cost of buying a house for their family and the cost of having their
children learn different kinds of skills (eg. play piano, learn English, math, etc.).
It's good to take care of your own small children if you have enough money, but
I think it's better to have a job because children will grow up. It's difficult to find a
job when you get older. Having a job is more compatible with the society. I think
it's better both for personal reasons and for the family.--Emily
In El Salvador women's lives are very hard because most husbands want
to find or have a woman that works and helps them with the budget and
also that takes care of the children, keeps the home and everything clean,
cooks well and takes care of them. That is a good woman for them. But
now they are changing and they try to help doing some chores at home.
Here it is different because everyone needs to help each other. I like to
live here!--Wendick

Families
My family is really small: my husband, my mother and I. Almost three years ago I got
married and moved to San Francisco, because my husband is American and he
prefers to live in America. It was very difficult for me to leave my country, my home, my
friends, and most of all, my mother, because I'd lived with her about 40 years! We are
good friends and nobody loves me like she does and we are so close to each other. I
think the members of families in Russia live more closely than in the U.S. and they
usually stay together and take care of each other. In my opinion, it is better to stay
separate, because for our parents we are always kids.--Elena
In families in our country, the man is stronger than the woman. The man goes
out to make money and socialize. The woman mostly takes care of the children
and does chores and not only takes care of the children, but even the husband
too. Now a husband can't hit his wife and children, but living with a big family,
just like living with a mother-in-law, is a difficult thing. If both sides respect each
other it's easy, or else it is hard to be together. I like San Francisco life.
Everyone has to go out to work. When it's the children's time to marry, they like
to be independent, to move out to make their future life.--May
In China, who cares if parents spank their children? Although that is very
serious, nobody wants to sue parents for spanking their children. The
same thing is with some husbands still hitting their wives in Northern
China. Maybe 30% of the people still do that. I hate a man who hits his
wife or girlfriend. That is a very bad thing for a woman.--Simin.
I like smaller family units, for example, a husband, a wife and their children. One wife
is the best. Two wives are not good for one house. In Japan, old people like to live with
their first son because before World War II, the first son of the house should keep the
property. Parents were part of the property. A Japanese man who is the first son
became lazy as a human being. I don't like these Japanese customs which are still
surviving. I mean those men look like they aren't independent. To say it in other words,
women are stronger than men. I think men in Japan are so spoiled.--Keiko
A long time ago, women didn't want to work outside. They just worked inside
their house and took care of their kids. Only men worked outside in my native
country, but now that is different. Both husbands and wives work outside and
inside too, except for rich families where the women don't have to work outside
or some lazy husbands who don't want to help their wives because some men's
minds still have old traditional thinking that when they finish the outside job, then
they don't need to do any more, just relax or talk to their friends. If a couple has
kids, the mother-in-law takes care of the kids unless she still is working or
passed away. Then they send them to a day care center.--Julie

Families
I live with my husband and my daughter in San Francisco now. I feel very
happy. A few months ago, we lived with my mother-in-law. We were not
happy at that time, because we have different ideas, opinions, and
attitudes about life than my mother-in-law. In my native country, most
couples go to work every day. They work hard. Some husbands help their
wives do some household chores. But in ancient China, the men never
did any housework. They went to work, and the women stayed at home. If
you ate lunch, it was always the man first. You couldn't eat until your
husband finished lunch. It think that's not fair so I'm very fortunate to live
in modern times.--Li
I met my husband in San Francisco. I don't have a big family. I think if you have small
children, you should not work because you can't trust nannies or babysitters. When my
kids turned two years old and were out of diapers, I sent them to Parkside Nursery. In
my country the men only work and make money and never help with chores. Women
are the ones who take care of the kids and do the housework etc. The laws in my
country and in San Francisco are very different. In Burma some of the husbands and
mothers-in-law hit the wife or daughter-in-law and the government never makes any
law for not hitting whatsoever. I never had a mother-in-law in my life so I'm very lucky
and I'd never allow them to hit me at all. In my country parents and teachers spank the
chiildren when they're bad.--Alice
My family is very big. It has about 20 people. Half of them live in San Francisco.
In my country, women babysit children until they grow up to go to school.
Husbands help wives to raise children and help with housework. My mother-in-
law was a very wise woman. She was helpful and friendly. I think families in my
country are the same as families in S.F. I like my family and do all for it in my
life.--David
My family is not big, and all of my relatives live in different countries. In

my native country, women don't work if their husbands earn much money.
Laws in the USA protect women more strongly than in my native country.
There are many cultures that have stories about unkind and bad mothers-
in-law, but fortunately my mother-in-law is a very good person. I think
parents shouldn't spank their children though children get on their nerves
every so often. I think it's a very big job and takes talent to raise good
children.--Inna

Families
My family has four people in it, but when I came to San Francisco it was different. It
became three. My eldest child is over 21 so I left her in Hong Kong. I miss her always.
I don't know why here there is a bad law. I think you can live with your mother better
than with your mother-in-law because even if your mother is bad, you feel o.k., she is
always like that. But with your mother-in-law, you can't accept it. You will be angry or
hate her. You will tell your husband your mother is too bad, with your mother,
everything is not alright.--Cissy

Jobs
Write About Jobs
When I was a child, I wanted to become a prominent lawyer and when I was studying
law in the university, I discovered that philosophy was my passion. So I decided to
study philosophy and to go deeply into the studies of religion. When I finished my
studies I started to work, teaching in different colleges, and I had the opportunity to
travel to other countries. When I lived in Central America, I had an opportunity to work
for an international foundation for helping harmed people. My life has been a little
intense.--Jorge
In Russia, I used to work as a piano teacher for almost 23 years. I began to

work as a music teacher when I was 19 years old. I was always surrounded by
children, and I still love my job. When I came to San Francisco, I thought finding
a job would be very simple here. Unfortunately, I didn't find one yet. It is very
difficult to find a job in a foreign country if you don't know the language enough
and if you don't have enough friends. I like that people in the USA usually have
many skills and some of them change their jobs many times. I think the best
thing is that they can study for that at different ages.--Elena
I used to take BART when I was in the East Bay. I was so impressed that
two out of three BART drivers are women. Also Muni drivers are the same
as BART's. How come we can't do it in Japan? Japanese don't admit
women have abilities? No, they don't. Japan is 30 years behind America.
The position of women is still low in our country.--Keiko
I am not descended from a rich family, so when I was young I didn't have any aim and
ambition. I was only a simple and innocent person, but when I became a mother, I had
a greedy mind. I wanted my children to be well-educated people. If they have a good
educationm when they grow up their lives will go smoothly and they can easily get a
job. In our country, men do heavy and important jobs. Women do light and small jobs
that don't make a lot of money. When you get older, if you work for the government
then you will get retirement from the government; otherwise, you must keep your
money to spend for the rest of your life.--May

Jobs
In my native country, everybody needs to go to school until we graduate from

junior high school when we are usually 15 years old. Some of my classmates
started to work but I worked at 22, after graduating from the university. When I
was a child, I wanted to be a teacher because I respected my teachers more
than my parents. I don't want to be a teacher now because it's hard work and
needs a lot of patience. I think I wouldn't be qualified to do this work. I used to
be a computer analyst. I did this job just because that is what I learned at
school. I don't like it because I think I'm not really interested in it and it's really
hard work. If I can choose what subject to major in, I would choose what I am
really interested in, not what sounds more fashionable or what I might make
more money in.--Emily
In my native country I was a military officer. I was an officer from 1943

until 1970. then I worked in a factory from 1971 until 1999. I like all jobs.
All the time my work was very hard, but I didn't complain. I was happy at
all places where I worked. In my country women and men work at the
same job, except hard work. The weather in SF is better than in my
country and I like it. It's very helpful for me and my family.--David.
In San Francisco, if you just understand a little English, it is so difficult for you to look
for a job because you don't know how to read and don't know how to communicate
with other people. So, maybe you just find a hard job and get low pay (like working in a
restaurant inside the kitchen, in a bakery or grocery store, or as a construction worker
or a painter.) These kinds of jobs I think are easier to get. Or if you have time, you go
to school first and then find a good job in your future.--Julie
In my country, people usually begin to work after they graduate from college.
Maybe work starts at 22 to 24 years old. However, there are many social
problems there recently. Most young people couldn't get a job. According to the
newspaper, 50 million young people are not able to work because they don't
want to get a hard job which has a low salary. Also, there are not enough
companies to give them a job so every day the media talks about losing young
people's jobs.--Myung Sook
Finding a job is not easy. It depends on the individual. Someone who is

capable, punctual, and has a good education has the possibility of finding
a good job. But someone who can not speak good English may have to
work for a lower income. Having a good education is very important for
everybody. Can you imagine if you have to do your lower income work for
all your life? Continuing education might help you find a better career.--
Nam

Jobs
In my country I worked in a bank. That was my first experience after I finished my high
school. I worked as a secretary or cashier, a supervisor, and my last job there was
credit analyst. I enjoyed these jobs pretty much because every day was different. I met
many people and I liked to help them. In these jobs you have to be kind and you need
to have a lot of patience and to always be happy because you talk with many people. I
worked there for 11 years. I loved it.--Wendick
When I lived in my hometown I worked as a textile technologist in a laboratory

that controlled the quality of production. I can't say I liked my job very much,
because it was pretty boring. I don't work here now, but I hope to get a new
profession and find a job. Unfortunately it's a very big problem to find a job in S.
F. When I was a child, I wanted to be a ballerina very much :). And now I want to
have a job that will allow me to make enough money and use my brain.--Inna
I have been working in a retirement company for three years. At first I

didn't like the job, because the people are very old. Some people can't
take care of themselves, and aren't patient. That is difficult for me.--Tiffany
I am a cashier working at a restaurant. I don't like my job because I work a long time
and standing makes my legs get a problem. I don't have extra pay when I work
overtime. I want to find a new job so my legs stop hurting, but in San Francisco, if you
want to find a good job it's very hard. The economic slowdown means a lot of people
have no more jobs. I am lucky I still have a job, but the boss cut my hours when the
pay got raised to $8.50 per hour. I hope everyone can get a job in S.F. That's why I
came to school to study English. I want to learn more knowledge and find a good job.--
Elisa

Education
I think classroom customs in my native country are different than here. I remember we
had to go to school on time. If not, you had to stand up in the corner of the classroom
for 4 hours. Every week we had a test. If you didn't have 70% pass on your test, the
teacher told you to read and write the test paper 100 times. Also, if you can't pass the
test, you can't go up to the next level. But here, whether you pass the test or not, the
kids still go up. No one stays in the same level. I think that is too bad for the kids in
their future.--Julie
In my native country after World War II it was mandatory for children to go to

school, Y level at 8 years old. They had to have education at Y level. A few
years later, it was mandatory to have 7 years of education, then 10 years, and
now 12 years. Before, all schools were public, but now everything has changed.
Every city has private schools and universities too. During World War II, the
schools were divided for boys and girls, but in 1954-1955 the schools for boys
and girls were united. School was mandatory for all children.--Nelli
I want to tell you about one of my English teachers from my childhood.

Why was he special? Because he was truly a teacher. He taught us to
think and speak in English. In his past he worked as a military attaché in
English and he had an English accent. All of his students were very proud
to learn English from him. During the lessons we played, sang, and told
small stories. He could ask you questions like, "If you have $1000, what
are you going to do with it?" He forced us to learn English, but we were
young and very naive. We thought we didn't need English in the future,
and it was our huge mistake. I never forgot this poem that he taught us.
When he got in class he we had to stand up and recite, "Good morning (3
times) to you, Good morning dear teacher, we are glad to see you." He
always said to us, "It's difficult for only the first 10 years and then you
become accustomed to it." It's a Russian idiom --Elena

Education
In my native country it is mandatory for children to go to school. It's free and for 9
years the children have to go. It's the same for boys and girls. There are elementary
schools (6 years), middle schools (3 years), high schools (3 years) and the university.
The private schools are very expensive, but the education is much better. Most high
schools, colleges, or universities require a test to get in. Teaching is considered a
good profession, but many people prefer another profession because there is better
pay.--Jorge
I remember a teacher who taught me civil law in Mexico. That teacher is special
for me because he is the only teacher in the school who requested money for
the final exam of the semester. Well, that is only for the students who didn't pass
the final test. The student gave him money and the teacher put C, B, or A on the
test paper, depending on how much you paid him.
P.S. I never paid for a whole semester, just for one unit--Yolanda
Mandatory education is similar in all countries. What is particularly

different is that the adult education is almost excellent here in America.
The people who want to learn more even if they already graduated from
school can take classes and have a lot of opportunities to meet good
teachers and classmates. The people in my country have to study hard.
Though the entrance examinations are so difficult, the graduation is pretty
easy. It seems to me that they no longer want to study after their
graduation.--Keiko
In my native country children begin learning at 7-8 years. The middle school has 7
years of classes. The high school has 2 years of classes. After the elementary school
you can go to college. After middle school you can go to college or to a university. All
boys and girls study together. All men and women have the same right to teach in
schools, colleges and universities. I remember some of my teachers who gave me
very good knowledge.--David
In my native country it's mandatory for children to go to school. They study 11

years. Most schools are public. In my native country students usually stand up
when the teacher comes into the classroom or asks a question. All teachers in
elementary school are women. In high school we can usually see a few teachers
who are men, and in colleges and universities there are many men who teach.
The best teacher who I remember was a teacher of Russian and literature. She
was very intelligent and loved her subject. She not only introduced us to the
treasure of Russian classic books, but she enabled us to meet the beautiful
things that were avoided in the Soviet school program.--Inna

Home
My family and I lived in a tall building in Hong Kong. In 1997 we moved to San Francisco and
we bought a flat in the Sunset. Our family lives on the first floor. There are three bedrooms,
one kitchen and dining room, one living room, and two bathrooms. It's bigger than the Hong
Kong home. Downstairs there is a garage where I keep my car. My family and I like the flat
very much and the area's environment is nice. Traffic is okay. It's easy for us to get a bus. I
have been here a few years, but I never talk to my neighbors because my English is very
poor.--Victoria
I live in Daly City. The view is beautiful. We can see all of San Francisco and the
Bay Bridge. The neighbors are very nice and the place is very clean. In my
native country I lived in a village. We had a big house. The weather was
different. I like the weather here.--Tiffany
I live in an apartment as I used to in my native country. I like Victorian

houses, but I am not brave enough to live in that kind of house because it
seems not to be safe enough for me. In my native country, we usually live
in a place which is kind of like a bird cage (the windows and the door of
our house have iron bars). I know it's silly, but it makes me feel safe. I like
the houses here. They're so beautiful and cultural. The house in Taipei is
ugly but both are expensive to live in. I prefer to live here.--Emily
During the second World War, I was living in Burma's rural countryside with my
parents. We lived in a cottage house. Beside the house there was a long and big river.
In the rainy season there was a lot of small fish and waterlilies. At that time I was a
teenager and I liked to catch the fish along the river and pluck the waterlilies. After ten
years, we moved downtown and in another 30 years, we flew over the Pacific Ocean
and are now living in S.F. It was very convenient to live in an apartment in Chinatown
and to buy food or go anywhere, but recently we shifted to the Richmond. I think this is
the last move. The environment is very nice and it's a good neighborhood .--Yin Yin
May

Home
I have been living in a 6-unit apartment building for over 17 years. I like it very
much and also my family does. Since I got to the United States, I have moved
three times. Every place that I lived was very convenient for transportation to
everything. My neighborhood is very excellent and I've met only three
neighbors. Most of the businesses are laundromats, restaurants, grocery stores,
flower shops, and some other businesses. Schools are very close to my house
too. The house in my native country that I'd lived in before was a one-story
house that was big enough for my family. All the neighbors knew each other. We
played every day outdoors in our family backyards and front yards around the
houses. In my native country most houses have back yards with no fences, so
we climbed all the trees that were our neighbors'. My childhood was fantastic.--
Alice
Living in my native country and San Francisco are different because in

my native country we don't have to pay for housing, just a small bill for the
water and electricity. In my mind, I still don't understand how people live
there in not quite freedom. But here housing costs too much money, and
electricity and water cost double too. As for freedom in the life here, it is
better than in my native country. When you wear clothes, no one cares
what kind of style you like to wear, but in my native country, if you can't
follow the new style, then people look down on you all of the time.--Julie
The other day, while I was waiting for the bus, I found a magazine about Real Estate,
which someone threw away or left behind on the bench. I took it in my hand and saw
the pages that showed houses in San Francisco with expensive prices. Those were
almost $500,000 to $1,000,000. I compared S.F. and Tokyo. Anyway, it is not easy to
purchase your own house. I live in the Myratoma area and I pay room rent. I have an
incredible view and a really nice neighborhood but transportation is inconvenient if you
don't have a car. Even though I don't have my car here, I like my place and I love San
Francisco.--Keiko
I have lived in S.F. for 3 years. I like my neighborhood. It's very nice and has
many shops and good transportation. My neighbors are very friendly and polite.
Many places look wonderful. S.F. looks like my native country. My native town,
Odessa, is very famous. Many people know it. S.F. is very famous too. I like S.
F. and want to live here, but I want to see some other towns too.--David

Home
I've lived in an apartment since I came to San Francisco. I've lived here
for 10 months. All houses in this city are made of wood and it's
inconvenient for me to hear my neighbors. I like public transportation in
San Francisco. I use the No. 5 bus. The big difference between S.F and
my town is in my town people usually don't have their own houses, only
apartments or flats in buildings with many floors. Single-family houses are
usually in the suburbs. I like the houses, streets and parks in San
Francisco. Unfortunately, one big problem here is the very expensive
rent.--Inna
I live in a house now, even though the rent is more expensive. I like it all. I live with my
husband and daughter. We have two bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen, bathroom
and backyard. Sometimes I do exercises in my backyard with my daughter. It makes
me enjoy my life because we planted a lot of plants and flowers there. But I never think
about buying a house in San Francisco because it costs a lot. Maybe after a few years,
we will move to another place and buy a house. I never lived in an apartment. My
friend lives in an apartment in Daly City. I visited her and looked around the apartment.
It was good. I think maybe some day I'll try living in an apartment.--Li
Well..I've lived in many places before coming to San Francisco. I think that
Vancouver is similar to S.F. in many ways. Currently I live in a big house with
two other friends. I like the neighborhood very much. I have Golden Gate Park in
front of my house and I enjoy running and walking in the park when I have time.
There are many restaurants and bars where I can spend a good time.--Jorge
I live in a one-bedroom apartment. I like my apartment because it has

spacious closets and a spacious kitchen. Also it has a balcony with a
beautiful view of Presidio Park. I like my neighborhood because there are
all kinds of stores, restaurants and services. One block from my house
there is a Walgreens. Just across the street is the hair salon and the linen
outlet. I have three options to take the Muni buses. Buses number 1 and
number 2 stop on the corners of my block. Also I can take the 38 bus
which is only 2 blocks from my place. The places in Mexico are built with
bricks and they are bigger than San Francisco houses.--Desirée

Money
Write about Money.
I think many ladies like to go shopping. They like to buy clothes and jewelry, but for
me, I just like to go window-shopping. If I want to buy expensive things I will compare
prices. I don't like to buy second-hand clothes and furniture. I think it's too dirty to wear
used clothes. I usually use a credit card to buy something. In my native country when
you buy something you have to pay cash. I never found money in the street. If I had
$50,000, I would buy a new car and go travel. I think money is very important.--Elisa
I really like to go shopping in China. I'm very interested in buying some of my

favorite dresses, clothes, or purses. Sometimes I bargain with the saleswomen,
but if I think the things are cheaper, I don't do that. If I buy some expensive
things, like electric appliances or jewelry, I'll go to different stores to compare
the price and quality, and then I'll decide whether to buy it. I don't like window-
shopping. I think it's a waste of time. If I see a disabled homeless person, I'll
give him money, but sometimes if I'm in a good mood, I also give other
homeless people money.--Li
Money is very important. When I was a teenager in my native country, I

wished I had a lot of money. I could buy my favorite things and do my
favorite activities. But in my native country, fewer women get a high
profession. Then I married my husband and immigrated to the U.S.A. My
husband likes me to be a traditional woman. I take care of my family. I like
shopping and buy some things sometimes. I also window-shop. If
someone gave me $50,000, I would buy another house in another state.--
Miao Ming
Tipping in San Francisco is not the same as in my country because in my country, we

didn't want to pay any tips. When we ate in the restaurant, we just paid cash and also
we didn't have any checking account or a credit card. We bought everything with just
cash. It was so easy for us to do everything even if you didn't have any money. But
here people have to pay some tips, and everybody pays tips differently. Some pay
10% or less, and some pay 15%-20%. We always pay a 15% tip.--Julie
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Money
When I was young, I thought love was the most important, but now I'm getting
older, and I don't think so. Money is more important to live for the rest of my life.
If someone gave me $50,000, I would save it and try to increase it. I used to
work at a foreign exchange company, so I would buy some New Zealand dollars
or Australian dollars. I might check the price every day.--Keiko
I have been saving some money for my kids' college. All my dreams are
for my kids to live a comfortable life and have a good education so they
don't have to work hard like me. I really love shopping. I guess that's my
hobby. I normally go shopping on my day off. I sometimes love to go
window-shopping. Sometimes I go for different bargains and sometimes I
don't. I don't like second-hand things except for flower vases. In the
United States we have to pay tips, and in our country we don't. I do have
a checking account and all kinds of credit cards. I like to use credit cards
a lot and I pay them on time. I don't like gambling at all. Every time I go to
Reno or Las Vegas, I only like to play slot machines. I sometimes give
money to homeless people and sometimes only food. Once, I found a
hundred-dollar bill inside Safeway and I returned it to the store manager.
Every week I buy lotto tickets and I haven't had luck yet. I really like both
money and love. They both are important for me. If someone gave me
$50,000 I would purchase a house and pay for the down payment with
that. If you keep it in the bank, there is no interest and the money doesn't
grow at all.--Alice
"Money"--everybody knows it, everybody needs it, loves it. If you get a lot of money
you can live in a luxurious house and have food that is delicious every day, like eating
out in a restaurant. But without money you can't do anything. Money is easy to earn for
some people, but for some others it is hard to get. I love money, even one penny. Why
do I feel that way? Because when we buy something that costs 25 cents but your
pocket only has 24 cents, for one cent, you can't get the thing. I love money. I value it.
I spend my money in the right place. I don't like to spend my money gambling. Money
to me is not easy to find. I am not a stingy lady, but I look for suitable places to use it.--
Yin Yin May

Money
Money is very important for life, but not absolutely. In my case, I could have
made a lot of money, but I missed too many chances. Now, I think I still have
one more chance to get money. If I get big money, I want to build a school or I
want to take care of orphans. People are getting selfish. Now, a lot of countries
still have starving people. A few days ago, North Korea had a big explosion. It
was an accident in which too many kids lost families and houses. There is no
food. Every day sad news comes from everywhere. We have to share the happy
or sad feelings. We have to divide the happy ones and make more time happy.
We have to divide the sad ones, and make less time sad.--Yoon-Saing
When I came to the U.S., I often gave money to the homeless because
they looked like beggars. They looked hungry, dirty, and like they needed
more help, so, I did. But now, not anymore, because I know the city gives
money to them every month and they use the money to drink alcohol and
smoke. They don't want to get a job. Some of them even make the street
or a park dirty. Some of them are stronger than me. I hope they go to get
a job, and don't just waste the time on the street. In my native country, the
government doesn't give money to take care of all of the poor people, so,
we often gave the money to beggars. That's different in the U.S. --Wendy
I like window-shopping. Sometimes I can find good things and pay a little money. That
makes me happy. Sometimes when I am upset, if I go shopping, I can solve my
problem and calm down. I am interested in going shopping to buy something, but I
hate to buy something used. That is my opinion. I think that used things come from
dead people and she or he or the family donated them to the stores, so I'm afraid to
buy used things.--Tiffany
I think love is more important than money. You can use money to buy something
like food, clothes, a house, car, etc., but you can't buy love. Love is something
special. It comes from your heart. It's deep inside of it and the one you love. If
he or she doesn't love you, you can't buy his or her heart. That's why love is
more powerful for me than money even though they say that you can buy
everything with money and even love.--Albina
About the topic whether love or money was more important--many people
say both, but, in fact, it is difficult to get both. I had to abandon my job
with a handsome salary in China, and come to the U.S. just to see my
wife. I have been in America for a week. Frankly, I'm confused by
everything here. Last week I often said to myself, "Is it worth doing this?"
Well, as I feel love is more important than money, the answer is, "Yes."--
Yingjun

Money
I don't enjoy going shopping at all. It wastes time and makes me exhausted, so I
usually buy something at a certain store except if it's really expensive. I don't like
window-shopping either. I go outside to buy something just because I really need it. I
don't like to buy second-hand things. I am kind of funny. Although it might be clean, it
still seems "dirty" to me. I won't give money to a homeless person here because most
of them are healthy enough to find a job. Besides, they can get money from the
country. I don't have a job here. I think I am "poorer" than them.--Emily
I think it is a very interesting question for discussion, because it has two different
sides. We need money for our life. We have to eat, to wear something, to pay
for the house, to pay for education, and for many many other things. I am sure
there is not enough of it for everybody, but it depends on how much you want.
All my life I believed there are more important and amazing things than money,
but sometimes we depend on it, and the more we have, the more we want.--
Elena
I go shopping when I need to buy something. I go 1 or 2 times a week. I

always check the prices. Often I go shopping for things on sale. I never
buy second-hand items. I never go window-shopping. I sometimes use
my credit card. I like shopping for money. Sometimes I give money to the
homeless. I think the most important thing is love. I have a checking
account and a credit card. I always give 15% tips. I don't like to borrow
money. In my country we often bought food in the markets.--David
I've always thought that spending money needs to be done carefully. It's very
important to find the golden middle between being a tightwad and a spendthrift. I like to
buy nice things, but I try to spend less money and very often look for bargains and
sales. Before I liked shopping very much, but here I don't because it drives me crazy;
too many choices and it takes too much time. I don't like gambling because I don't
believe in easy lucky money for me. When I visited Reno I saw many crazy overweight
people who were addicted to the casino and I didn't like them.--Inna
What is the most important, love or money? It's a difficult question. Maybe both
things are necessary. I can't live just on love and the money is not all in life. I
think that it is very importahnt to have a good balance. I don't believe in
materialism, but I believe that people need to have a dignified life. (And all those
things cost money.)--Jorge

Leisure Time
I used to work as hard as most other people did in my native country. I think
Americans have more free time than we have in my native country. They are more
concerned about their family's lives. According to some statistics, most working people
in my native country spend their leisure time watching TV. That's probably the same as
here, but it seems that more Americans exercise during their leisure time than people
in my native country. We used to work half a day on Saturday. Now we don't because
my native country's government encourages us to have more relaxing time. We work
longer from Monday to Friday instead of working on Saturday, but we have the same
work time. I think it's good to balance between working and our families.--Emily
In my native country the weather is very different. I don't like that weather. The
fall is cold and the summer is hot. The area is bad and a lot of people there have
difficulty finding a job, but in San Francisco the weather is very good. I like it
here very much. If you speak English well and work hard you can find a good
job.--Tiffany
Everybody loves leisure time, but it has different stages. When I was in
school, during the student stage, I had to study hard, learn regularly, and
only on summer holiday could I take a little breath and a break. During the
marriage stage, I had to raise my family and I was busy with house
chores, taking care of the children's food, clothes, and education. After it
was their time to marry, I felt I was old and getting into a ripe age. Now I
understand leisure time. I have a lot of leisure time right now. I can
increase my knowledge by going to John Adams College, or taking a
vacation to Europe and China. Twice a year I have to visit my children in
New York and Los Angeles.--Yin Yin May
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Leisure Time
I think a lot of people like to travel some places on a vacation. In my native country if
you wanted to travel to another city, you had to go to the city government office and
apply first. Then you waited for them to say okay and then you could go. But over here
if you have time or money nobody cares where you go. People who live here love to
take a vacation a lot. Every year we take a vacation. We go to different places. We
went to Las Vegas, L.A., San Diego, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. This
year we plan to go to Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, and then go back to Las Vegas. I
hope we'll have a good time.--Julie
I like to read books in my leisure time. I read many, many books in my country
when I was young. Now I don't have a lot of leisure time because I do everything
slower, but I like reading a book more than anything. Sometimes I watch TV.
Sometimes I go on a walk. I can't answer question number 4. That is not a
simple question. I had a trip in my country every year, but only in my country. I
had 24 vacation days a year and that was enough for a good trip.--Nelli
In my native country I worked as a teacher in the university and I had big

vacations. Usually during this time I was working in my garden or I went
to a spa where I drank water for my kidneys. Now I don't have a garden
and I can drink good water at home, so I can take a trip. This year my
wife and I took a trip to Spain. It was a very interesting but very hard trip.
We flew 15 hours from Madrid to San Francisco. I was tired. I didn't have
the strength to go to school. I could sleep, only sleep. But the trip was
very interesting and I am happy that I could take it.--Yuriy
I like to clean the house, wash the clothes, go shopping, cook, and garden in my yard
in my free time. In my native country I helped my parents to wash the clothes and go to
the market to buy some vegetables and do some housework. In the United States, I
really don't have more free time than in my native country. People in my native country
have more free time and neighbors visit each other's houses. In the United States and
my native country we spend free time differently. In my native coutnry we learn how to
sew, cook, and knit from our parents and sisters. Sometimes we visit other valleys and
have a lot of fun. Last October, I went to Taiwan for my vacation. I enjoyed it very
much. This year I will go to Hong Kong, China, Hawaii, or Mexico. I haven't decided
yet.--Alice

Leisure Time
I always go on the Internet in my leisure time. Whatever I am doing, when I get

home, I open Windows. This helps me very much. I don't need to buy a
newspaper. I can get a lot of information I need immediately, any time,
anywhere. How fun it is! It is not only for leisure, but also a necessity for my
daily life so far. I like to listen to music when I'm home. Recently I always listen
to the radio. The American songs remind me of a lot of memories. I'm sure it is
helpful to raise my listening ability in English--Keiko
I've liked reading books all my life and I always try to do it if I have time.
Also I like doing exercise. Here I spend my time another way than in my
home town. There I spent a lot of time with my friend because I was
unmarried, and here I am busy with my family because I'm married. I think
people in the USA have less free time than people in my native country,
and spend it differently. Americans pay more attention to sports and
during their vacations they travel more than people in my native country.--
Inna
I like to read books and listen to music in my spare time. Sometimes I like to play
games on the Internet. Since 9/11, America Against Terrorism became a very popular
game. That's my favorite game. I could choose different kinds of guns to shoot people
who are blocking peace in the world. In my native country, people have more free time
than Americans, because most people's jobs in my native country don't have too much
pressure. People have a lot of leisure time. I really like to take a vacation. I think
maybe next year I'll take a trip to Japan.--Li
In my free time I like to exercise. I go to the gym 4 or 5 times a week and I enjoy
swimming every day. I love to read, to chat with my friends, go out for dinner,
and meet new people. When it's possible, I take vacations as much as possible.
I like to discover new places, to learn about other cultures, and to meet new
people and customs. On vacation I love the sea. In my country I practiced scuba
diving and the life in the sea is simply fascinating!! In a couple months I hope to
travel to an interesting place.--Jorge

Leisure Time
Although I have been in the US for three weeks, I still miss my life in
China. When I was in China, I had a colorful life. In my free time I enjoyed
going to a bar and appreciated classical music. After I came to the US, I
also went to a bar and listened to a concert. Frankly, I felt bad in the US
bar. It's too noisy. In China, it's quiet in the bar. Everyone has a low talk
with his partners and the music is soft. About the US symphony, I have to
say it is my own problem. I can't understand the western symphony. In
China, I can understand and enjoy a Chinese classical music show. I
think it is the difference in culture between the US and China that makes
me have different feelings, so I need to take more time to learn and
understand US culture.--Yingjun
Those people who don't care about time can't achieve their goals, but it doesn't mean
that people spend all their time working. All people have the same time--24 hours a
day, but how they spend their time depends on the person. I think spending time
should give you fun. Those people who know it's fun can do everything. Fun means
they know how they can divide their time for work, family, social occasions and other
activities.--Muhammad
In my native country I did many more things than I do here. I had my business
and I worked very hard. I had a big garden with many fruit trees. Also I grew
many kinds of vegetables. Here, I have a lot of free time. I like to watch TV
news, read newspapers and short stories. I try to read more English books.
Sometimes I go shopping. I like to call my friends. I don't like to write letters. In
my native country we had more free time than American people.--David
When I was in Korea, I was still single. We took a vacation to the

mountains, river, and beach. At that time we didn't have our own cars.
Some days we took the bus or train many times. But I want to go back to
being a young boy. I came to America. I've just had time to take a few
vacations with my family. We had our own small business. We have 3
children. We didn't have enough time. They usually go to school and
come back home and go to exercise. Last month we took a vacation for a
week. We drove to Canada, except my daughter. She had classes in
college. We are sorry about our daughter. Now, me and my wife have
time for the time being, but my kids don't have time. In summer time we
will try to go to Chicago by car. Do you have a good idea for our family
vacation?--Yoon-Saing

Leisure Time
In my leisure time, I like to read and plant flowers. In my native country, when I was a
child and teenager, my parents bought or rented a lot of books for us. I used all my
leisure time reading books whenever I finished my homework or housework. I read
them when I ate, or on the bus. I even read them when I cooked. You know, 30 years
ago, China didn't have many electrical appliances. We used coal to cook anything. I
often scorched the rice and my mom scolded me. I read many masterpieces, including
domestic and overseas ones. After I grew up, I started to read magazines and
newspapers, but now, when I go to adult school, I don't have time to read books. I
have to finish my English homework. On the weekend, if I have a little leisure time, I
like to work in my backyard. I like to plant flowers and potted plants. That's my hobby.--
Wendy

Media
Write About Media
My favorite TV shows in English are comedies, talk shows and kung fu movies.
Comedy shows can make me laugh, be happy, and relax in my free time. Talk shows
make me better understand different people's life styles in the world now. These two
kinds of shows always say words more than one or two times, so it's easy for me to
learn the language every day. As for kung fu movies, I've been used to watching them
for a long time. I don't know how I can love them. Maybe I enjoy the actions of the
movie which make me feel interested. But I hate to see movies about love stories
because they always make me feel unhappy and cry.--Julie
Hollywood movies of America have lots of influence in other countries, including

my native country. We can watch most famous or popular programs not only in
the U.S., but also in my native country. The fee to pay for cable TV is much
cheaper in my native country than here. Some channels are kind of controlled
by the government, but it gets fewer because people have the ability to choose
what they really like. "Three's Company" and "Friends" are my favorites. They
are not too difficult to understand and they're funny. My English teacher in the
university even chose "Three's Company" as our listening material in teaching.
They often talk with double meanings. It's good for me to improve my English
ability.--Emily
Since I came to San Francisco, I haven't watched too many TV shows in

English. Most of the time I watch a Chinese channel, because I can
understand all of the language. My favorite TV show in English is
"Everybody Loves Raymond." This is a comedy show, which makes me
laugh a lot and is easy to understand. But now I try to watch the news in
English. It's difficult for me, but I think little by little, I can understand it all.
In my native country, most of the movies we call "soap operas." They are
a reflection of life, and many, many people like to watch them every
night.--Li
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Media
I usually get my news information on the Internet. Sometimes I read this information in
English, and sometimes in Spanish. I like to compare the same news in different
international newspapers. The media in my country is controlled by the government, or
by big business, or sometimes by religion. It's a pity!! But right now things are
changing. I hope some day a free and independent media will exist.--Jorge
I've watched TV since I came here. It helps me a great deal to improve my

speaking and listening to "American English." As this year is a presidential
election year, I can see and hear a lot of political opinions. They talk to each
other every day. It is very interesting to me. I know former president J. F.
Kennedy took political advantage by using the media. That affected the people
of the world so much. In my country, TV stations belong to a major newspaper,
and the newspaper belongs to a political party.--Keiko
I think the media in the USA is truer than in my country. It's because the
media in the USA is freer than in my country. I watch English TV and
Russian TV. English is better and more interesting. In my native country,
the media is more controlled by the government and all channels show
the same thing. American media is more open. I like to listen to classical
music and see comedy shows. American TV helps me to practice
listening and better understand English.--David
I think different kinds of media don't have the opportunity to be free and independent
because all of them depend on money. But democratic countries don't have only one
general political line and you can hear different opinions from the media supporting
different political parties. Of course, it's very hard to believe the media, especially
during election time. In my country I liked intellectual shows and good serious movies,
but here it's very hard for me because my English is limited. I try to watch somethng
easy and understandable for me, for example comedies.--Inna
Before we couldn't afford to buy a TV so we only listened to the radio. We

especially listened to the news, music, and weather reports. Nowadays we have
a TV and we can watch a person appearing in front of us on the screen, dancing
and different kinds of techniques. You can learn a lot of things from TV. I like to
watch English TV on Sunday at 8:00 at night, movies on Channel 9. It mostly
shows good and famous films. In the morning we watch shows for children like
Barney, Dora and Blue Clue. These are all ones that my grandchildren love--Yin
Yin May

Media
One of my favorite TV shows in English is Discovery Channel. I like it very

much. In this TV show you find out more about different kinds of animals,
how they live and survive, and how hard it is for them to get food. Even if
you thought that you knew this kind of animal very well, in this show you
find out that it wasn't like that. One of the interesting things about this
show is that you don't have to understand English to watch it. You can
understand it without a word. And, of course, I also like to watch this show
in my native language.--Albina
The TV shows in America have more freedom than those in my country. Here you can
make different kinds of movies if the people like them. In my native country, the
government has a lot of laws. If you make a movie the government doesn't like, maybe
you will go to jail.--Tiffany

Introductions
My partner Julia likes to do a lot of activities like reading, watching TV, and sleeping.
Usually she gets up at seven. She takes the bus to school. Julia takes four classes.
She starts at eight. The first class is grammar. Julia likes to eat sweet food like
chocolate, cake, and candy, but she prefers healthy food. In the afternoon she likes to
do some exercises to keep herself in good shape.--Kamel
I'd like to introduce my new friend, Tony Chan. He likes to watch TV and read
newspapers in his spare time. He usually watches the Chinese news on
Channel 7 after dinner. He told me he always gets up at seven. It's so early for
me. Then his wife makes him breakfast. He usually goes to school by bus;
sometimes he takes #7, sometimes he takes #21. He only takes one class,
because he said it is too hard for him. He's older and it is too tiring for him. He
likes Chinese food a lot, but I don't like it at all, because Chinese food has too
much oil. It will make me gain weight.--Kay
My partner likes watching TV, reading newspapers, and listening to

classical music in her spare time. She gets up at 7:30. She comes to
school on two buses. She likes to eat Chinese food. She wants to go
shopping, cook, and watch TV.--Lilya
My partner looks kind. Her name is Rebecca. She has two children and a nice house
which includes a little garden that has four fruit trees inside. She likes it very much and
takes good care of it. We both are Chinese and have two classes the same at this
school. She usually gets up at six-thirty because she has to prepare breakfast for her
husband.--Hui Luan
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Introductions
In the classroom, I had a communication with my partner. She is a part time

student. Every day she gets up at 6:00 in the morning and after she eats
breakfast, she starts to walk to school. She said it takes 45 minutes from her
home to school. Every day she takes three classes at school. She likes Chinese
food. When she has spare time, she likes to travel.--Helen
My partner is Hui Luan. She came here about 13 years ago. She lives
near the school so she likes to walk to school. She is taking two classes
at John Adams Campus, which are the same as mine. When she has
spare time, she likes to watch TV and read books. She prefers healthy
food to meat. She wants to visit her father at the hospital this afternoon. I
hope her father will get better soon.--Rebecca
My partner likes to spend her spare time reading books and with her family. She wants
to go shopping, go see a movie, and go to the market to buy some good food to cook
for her family. She said she would like to spend her spare time that way.--Lindy
My partner is Ricky. He is 18 years old. He comes from Kwangjou, China. He

has been in S.F. for six months. He likes to play on-line games so he enjoys on-
line games in his spare time. He has many Chinese friends. He gets e-mail from
his friends, so he goes to bed late and gets up late too. He gets e-mail or talks
on-line with people in another place and time zone. How amazing! He likes
Japanese food, probably sushi and sashimi or domburi--me too. But sometimes
I want to have mother's food. Usually he takes four classes, so he studies in the
afternoon.--Jay
My partner's name's Jay. She is a beautiful lady who came from Korea.
She gets up at 5:30 and takes the MUNI to school. She is a hard-working
student who takes three classes a day. In her spare time she likes to
listen to music. Her favorite food is Korean, Chinese and Japanese food.
After the class she will cook dinner. I think she is good at cooking
everything.--Ricky.
When I was speaking with Kamel, I learned many interesting things about his spare
time. He likes going outside, walking around the city, and he likes the ocean. He also
likes going shopping. (I was surprised because I thought that many men don't like to
do it, or just do it very fast.) He has three classes a day, so he doesn't have to wake up
very early. He gets up between 8 and 9 o'clock in the morning. He told me he has a job
in the supermarket and comes home at 2 a.m. every day. In my opinion it is very good
and easy to learn English if you study at school and also if you have a job or American
friends. He likes any kind of food. Kamel enjoys Mexican, Italian, and American food.--
Julia

Introductions
Kay is my partner. She comes from Taiwan. She studies at John Adams, and
takes three classes every day. She usually gets up at eight o'clock every
morning. She comes to school by car. She likes to eat Japanese food and
American food. She wants to study English this afternoon. She is very happy to
live in the U.S.A. too.--Tony
My partner is Lilya. She likes to watch TV, cook, and listen to music. She
usually gets up at 6:30 and cooks breakfast. After she finishes breakfast,
she walks to school. She has 3 classes. She likes to eat Russian food
and Chinese food. After classes she goes home and cleans up the
kitchen and takes a nap.--May
Today my partner is Roza. Roza likes to listen to music best of all and to dance just
alone. She is very excited about that. She enjoys it by herself. She usually gets up at
6:30 in the morning and goes to bed not later than 11 p.m. Roza takes the bus to
school. It's very convenient for her because the bus stop is near her house. She is
taking two classes this semester, but sometimes she has to miss some classes
because she works part time. Roza likes to eat everything. She is good at cooking and
likes to treat her friends. This afternoon, she wants to do some routine things like
cooking, cleaning, and so on.--Irina
I talked with Irina. She was my partner. Irina prefers to read books. She reads a
lot, and she gets up at 6:30 in the morning even though she goes to bed very
late. She is very active and likes to do everything. She likes music, cooking,
cleaning her apartment, studying English and computers. I enjoyed talking with
Irina. I want to have many friends like her.--Roza.
My partner is a very quiet and nice person. In her spare time, she likes to
go shopping and go to the library. She usually takes a bus to school. She
has five classes at John Adams Campus. She studies very hard. She
likes to learn English. I hope she'll be a professional worker in her future.--
Joanne

San Francisco
I have been traveling a lot. I really like San Francisco. It's a beautiful and interesting
city. It's a good size (not too big and not too small) and has nice weather. People who
live in the city come from all over the world. It's amazing. You can learn about many
different cultures and always find something new. I love to have good food. San
Francisco gave me a lot of experience eating in restaurants. I tried the most expensive
food in the city. It was really really delicious.--Cindy
I have been in San Francisco since 2002. When I first came here, I had a lot of
surprises, because San Francisco houses are very different. First, the closeness
is different because the houses are all together, and they are made of wood, so
I was surprised. I don't like San Francisco weather because there is too much
fog. Also, houses are expensive, but I like San Francisco because the cultures
make it fun.--Cui Mei
San Francisco is a beautiful city. Before I came here, I heard some

friends tell me something about it. First, the weather is very different from
my country. they told me many public places are open to people every
month. In fact, it was true. I like this city very much. I'll tell my friends and
recommend it to them. Golden Gate Park is very big. It has a lot of places
to visit. If you don't want to pay any money you can also have fun too, like
taking some crackers and bread and some little snacks to feed birds.
There are many different birds you can see. Children like to do that very
much. You can also take a walk and do some exercises. There are good
places to go there. --Rebecca
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San Francisco
I have been living in San Francisco for about 10 years. When I first came here, I was
very surprised about the weather, because I always thought the weather in California
was sunny and the ocean was warm. The second thing that surprised me was the
homeless people on Market Street. But after this time, I really, really like this beautiful
place. My opinion is that it is the most beautiful city in the world. If my friends come, I'll
show them Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, Columbus, Chinatown, et
cetera, et cetera. My advice: Don't be in a hurry to see the bad sides of the city. Pay
attention to the gorgeous places and love it like me.--Lilya
I have been in San Francisco for two years and I like it a lot. When I first arrived,
I saw a view that I had never seen before. Houses in San Francisco are much
smaller than I thought. Before I arrived here, I just thought American houses
were very big, and they had a big yard in front of the house, each house also
separate from the other one. It's very different than I thought. Also, in San
Francisco, the house rent scares me. It is so expensive. Do you think the same
way?--Kay
When I first came here, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge
surprised me. I had never seen it in my country. I love the weather here
and my favorite places in San Francisco. If my friends come to San
Francisco, I will take them to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden
Gate Park because they are famous and not too expensive.--Lindy
I have lived in San Francisco for 4 years. When I first came here, I was surprised
about downtown and the houses. San Francisco is the best city in the state of
California. Why? The weather is better than in Siberia, Russia. When my friends from
Germany and Israel visited my family, they said, "San Francisco is the best city." My
favorite place is Golden Gate Park. My relative is thinking about moving to San
Francisco.--Iosif
I came to San Francisco seven years ago. I like San Francisco weather because
it is not so hot, and I like San Francisco supermarkets because they are so big.
Two years ago my good friend came to visit me. After she stayed in San
Francisco one year, she got a job. Sometimes I go to the zoo with my children
when it is free but I feel the show tickets are very expensive.--Margaret
I have been in San Francisco for over 10 years. When I first arrived here,
what surprised me was that the weather is wonderful, the houses so big,
and the streets so clean. If my friends come to visit me, I would like to
take them to Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and
Fisherman's Wharf, because they are the famous places in San
Francisco.--Helen

San Francisco
I have lived in San Francisco for only ten months. I came from China last October.
When I first came here, I was very surprised about the weather. It is very good
weather, especially in summer. It isn't like China--very hot. I like to take a walk in
Golden Gate Park. It is a very large and very beautiful park. There are many different
plants. Many people like to do sports there. If my friend visits San Francisco, I will take
her to visit Golden Gate Park. San Francisco is a good place. If you are thinking of
moving to San Francisco, that is a good idea.--Emily
I have been in San Francisco since last October. At first it surprised me that the
houses are very pretty and small and stand very close to each other. There is no
space between houses. The color of the walls are pastel and beautiful. In my
country, almost all the walls are white, brown or gray. I've never seen such
colorful walls except on restaurants and shops. Second, I was surprised that
there are a lot of races in San Francisco.--Mizuho
I have lived in San Francisco for 7 months. It's my first experience living in
the USA. When I just came, I was surprised at the different cultures,
architecture of the buildings and of course languages. At first, the people
spoke too fast for me to understand them. Every day I'm learning more
about San Francisco. There are many interesting places to visit. I was at
the Jack London museum. On the weekend I was at an Oscar Peterson
concert. I had a fantastic time. The nature is different in California. It isn't
very hot in the summer and isn't cold in the winter. If you want, you can
go to the beach or skiing. I have a plan to go to Tahoe. I wasn't there yet,
but heard it is a really nice place.--Julia
I have been living in San Francisco about six months. At first, I didn't like it here
because my English was useless and I didn't have friends. I felt too lonely. But today I
have changed my mind. I studied in John Adams and made some friends, and my
English has improved. I can talk to some friends in English so that I feel very happy.
sometimes we play basketball together and go downtown shopping. We love music, so
we always go to Best Buy or Sony Center to try the CD player and MP3 player. Those
are my favorite places where it is so good and free!--Ricky
The big surprise for me is the weather. It is the first time in my life it is so cold
and foggy in the summer. It's amazing. My love for this city is growing day after
day. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit. My favorite place in the city is the
Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field. I like the diversity inside this city. It's the
first time in my life I have lived in a city with a lot of cultures, religions, and
languages in one city. It's great and has a nice spirit for a multi-cultural city.--
Kamel

San Francisco
When I came to San Francisco, it was one year ago. It was last summer.
My first shock was the weather. It was too cold here, and the people were
not so friendly. But now I changed my mind because I know why the
people are not happy and friendly, because everybody is very busy with
their life and different activities, or people are thinking about how to make
money to pay all the bills all the time.--Tiziana
I have been living in San Francisco for fifteen years. I am from Kwangtung, China.
When I arrived in San Francisco, I was very surprised to see many big buildings and
good sightseeing such as Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and
so on. I really like the weather of San Francisco, because it is not too hot and not too
cool. San Francisco is a very beautiful city. The transportation in San Francisco is very
convenient. I take the bus to school every day. If my son and my daughter buy a new
house in another place, I might be moving, but I still love San Francisco very much. I f I
have free time, I will visit San Francisco again and again.--Tony
I have lived in San Francisco about two years. When I first came here, I was
surprised about the weather; it's not so cold in winter and not so hot in summer
like in my country. All year the weather is fine, like in the spring in my country.
My favorite place is the Presidio because I live near. I usually walk around this
park and around the Bay with my husband every evening. I'd like to advise
everyone who is thinking of moving to San Francisco that it is the best place I
know for immigrants. There are a lot of people from different countries and they
feel very comfortable here.--Irina

I was surprised and embarrassed. I showed the note to the guards and apologized to
them for my misunderstanding. I had lunch with him and treated. I told him that I was
always afraid of bankrobbers. The truth was that he was a policeman and he taught
me how to guard myself. We became good friends.--Mizuho
"I don't like to eat lunch with a stranger," I thought. Because I was scared of
everybody near me, I spoke loud and said, "No."--Lai Kan
After I read the note, I felt very nervous and embarrassed. I told the
guards it was just a misunderstanding and I told the man, "Please
communicate straightforwardly, because this is a bank. If you drop a note
in the window, it makes me feel scared."--Helen
I felt very embarrassed and I said, "I'm so sorry. I misunderstood it." That man was
scared when the guards came. Now his face turned red and he asked me, "Now I'm
afraid of you, but I still want to have lunch with you. Could I?" I didn't know if I should
accept or not. I said, "Thank you very much! My friend already told me to have lunch
together. Maybe next time!"--Cindy
It was an amusing situation. When I finished reading, the guards were still
holding him. My face became red and I felt awful and embarrassed. The man
and I looked at each other when the guards released him. I apologized and he
smiled and said, "That's okay. I understand. It's your job. I think I scared you. I'm
sorry too. I didn't want to do that. You are so beautiful I wanted to invite you to
lunch with me. And this story finished with a happy ending.--Julia
After I read this story, I knew it was a misunderstanding between them. I

think the man loved or liked her. It was funny. I hope it doesn't happen
again.--Lindy
The woman was surprised. When the guard came there fast, she stood up and said to
the guard, "He is a good man. He scared me." She told the man, "I can go with you for
coffee and to eat lunch." She worked in this bank for a long time and when new
workers came she would tell this story. She was the best teller in the bank.--Iosif
The woman was surprised because someone invited her for lunch. Then the
teller was very scared, and she looked at the guards. It's my opinion.--Amelita
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"Oh my goodness! I made a big mistake. He's my new boyfriend but I

thought that he rejected me. I didn't want to hear that. That's why I hit the
alarm button. I'm so sorry. After that I'm going to have lunch with him."--
Giryun
I showed this note to the guards and they started to laugh. They freed this scared man
and apologized to him. The man was very afraid of me and couldn't say anything. All
the coworkers were very surprised at me and also laughed. I was very embarrassed
about what I did. First, I looked like a crazy person to my coworkers, and second, I
understood that maybe I would miss my future love.--Irina
"Excuse me. Thank you for your invitation, but I have had lunch already. Are you
interested in opening a free checking account? We have a promotion and a
good benefit for you. It is unlimited withdrawal. Even if you forget to deposit
money into your account, you could still use your checking any time because it
will automatically transfer the money from your savings account to the checking
account. You don't have to worry about any fee. That's very convenient for you."
Then he said, "That's wonderful! Thank you for your advice. Okay, I am going to
get it. Thank you. Have a good day."--Kerry
When the lady read the note, "Would you have lunch with me?" she was
so surprised. Then she passed the note to the guard and the guard said
to the man, "Don't do this again. It is very dangerous." Then they released
the man. The man walked again in front of the lady and said, "I'm so sorry
to make you so scared. Would you have lunch with me?" The lady
nodded and she was so happy at that time.--Emily
I was very surprised. I was very apologetic for what we did. I thought I made a mistake
and the guards who were holding the man thought it was a mistake too. I think it was a
great experience that happened while I was working at the bank. It made me
remember never to do it again.--Tony
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Health and Exercise
Write a Paragraph about Health and Exercise.
I like to do exercises and I keep on doing exercises every day. Exercise will give one
good health and strength and also will help one lose weight. I like walking, running and
swimming if I have more spare time in summer. Actually, it is more fun and exciting in
the Olympics.--Lai Kan
If I talk about exercise, I don't know which kind of exercise I like, but if I have
time, I'll try to take a walk around the ocean because I think it's good exercise
and healthy. I can relax and get some fresh air. I like to watch skiing on TV. It is
exciting.--Joanne
Five years ago, I used to eat a lot of meat and coffee and I always had
too much for every meal. But since I had a very bad stomach pain, I
began to eat less meat and had no more coffee. Then my health started
getting better. It was very strange at first when I began to have just a little
meat, but right now, I don't like it so much any more.--Hui-Luan
In my country, there are a lot of sports, especially swimming. At the Olympics, they
always get the gold medal. I like walking and yoga. I joined the group exercises cardio-
kick boxing and Core on the floor. I enjoy all of them very much. They are so good for
your health. Fifty years ago, I think they used bicycles all the time for transportation
and exercise.--Doris
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Health and Exercise
Lifestyles in my country have changed; the people are healthier now. They try to
buy healthy food and exercise. In my opinion, you can try many different kinds of
diets, but if it is just for a week or a month, it won't help you. Your systems
inside and outside the body should work together. If you eat too many sweets,
you will have problems with your skin and weight. I prefer to eat healthy
products, but sometimes I can't stop myself from eating some sweets or cookies
or ice cream (I love it!) During school, I eat some fruit and in the evening I
exercise. Your body, your skin, and how you look depends on doing everything
in moderation.--Julia
Health is very important for everyone. When you are healthy, you will be
happy and you can do better when you do something. That's why I like to
take a walk in Golden Gate Park. It is usually for about one hour. I enjoy it
because I can breathe fresh air and keep fit. It is good for my health. I
have been here for ten months and take a walk every day. Now I lost
eight pounds and I feel more energetic. Before I felt tired in the morning,
and now I don't. Exercise is good for your health. I will keep on doing it
every day.--Emily
I love to exercise. I like to walk and go swimming. I go to the YMCA every day with my
seven-year-old and four-year-old sons. Now people in my country are getting
interested in keeping healthy. I don't like to watch sports, but in my native country
people like to watch Thai kickboxing. Thai kickboxing is popular in my country. I think
every sport is good but I don't have time to watch. Doing exercises is good. After
exercising, you feel good and it's good for your health.--Thip
I like sports because I am a boy. I think most boys are like me. My favorite sport
is soccer. I used to play soccer with my friends when I was in high school. That
was so interesting. It is a team game. In my country, soccer is the most popuar
sport too. Sometimes, we are oblivious when we watch a soccer game on TV.
Our country 's team took part in the World Cup for the first time, so the soccer
fans were very excited and soccer is getting more and more popular in my
country.--Ricky

Health and Exercise
I think all exercise is good because it can make you healthy and happy.
When you have good health, you will have a long life. In China, people
are having big changes now. Before, some people used to smoke and
drink alcohol. They didn't care about their health, but now some people
only work five days a week and each day has eight hours so after they
have dinner, they like to take a walk around the neighborhood. The
younger people like to run, play soccer, badminton, and volleyball. The
seniors like to do Tai Chi. Now they are very careful about health, so they
quit smoking, keep doing exercises every day, and don't eat much meat.
When you have good health, you'll be happy. In China, there is a saying,
"Safety and good health is more important than money."--Rebecca
My native country is Russia. Many years ago, it was a great country named the Soviet
Union. There were a lot of people in my country who were interested in sports, and
there were a lot of Olympic champions there. Many people played sports in their free
time and they also loved to watch sports on TV. All men in my country were interested
in soccer and hockey. All women were interested in ice skating and artistic gymnastics.
All schoolboys and schoolgirls attended a lot of sport sections in their schools. Now, it
is a different country and it has different habits. It is too expensive to do some sports
and to keep healthy. Our government does not pay attention to the needs of its
people.--Irina
My favorite activities are running and eating less. I think a good way to lose
weight is not to eat too much, but with me sometimes it doesn't work. One of my
bad habits is sometimes I don't eat too much for a few days and then I feel really
tired. I think doing exercise is good for your health. It doesn't work well for me,
but I really enjoy doing it.--Cristina
I usually like to walk around the city. Walking is my favorite activity

because this activity makes me enjoy the beauty of the city. In my native
country, soccer is the first sport, but my favorite sport to watch on TV is
boxing. My favorite Olympic sport is volleyball. I'm not a smoker, but I
enjoy all kinds of food, and I think a diet is a bad habit.--Kamel
In my native country, most people like to play basketball. Recently, most people like to
watch soccer on TV. When the World Cup of soccer competition was beginning, a
billion people watched those sports on TV. When I was young, I didn't like to do
exercises or play ball because I only liked to study. If I had free time, I always read a
book on the bed. Since I arrived in America, I like to watch baseball games on TV and
I also like to watch basketball games too.--Tony

Health and Exercise
When I was young, I was a good sportsman. I liked to ride bicycles, do

gymnastics, and swim. I was a master in this exercise for a long time. When I
studied in school, I got in command. This time I didn't forget my exercise. I went
in the pool and spent more time swimming. Two or three times a week I rode a
bicycle. My weight at this time is 40 pounds more than when I was young. At
that time I could regulate my weight.--Iosif

food
I like rice, so rice was my major food at every meal in my country. Now that I've come
to San Francisco, I eat some once a day, and it is not as delicious as my country's. I
can't cook well. I don't enjoy cooking. However, I sometimes cooked food if I had
something I wanted to eat. At that time I went to the supermarket or found ingredients
that I needed to cook at cooking sites on the Internet. But now I feel some difficulty to
buy something at the supermarket. I don't know all of the English names of foods and
ingredients because my English is weak. In San Francisco, I haven't gone to any
restaurants. I want to go to many kinds of ethnic restaurants. I don't like meat except
for chicken. I think meat is an oily food and it's chewy and not fresh. I like vegetables.
American food almost always includes meat. I don't really like American food. It makes
us get fatter and gain weight.--Eun Sook
I'm from Russia and like Russian food. I eat borscht and meat fried in the pan. I
like fried potatoes and eggs. I like cold soup made from potatoes and sorrel. I
like fruits (apples, strawberries, and pineapple). I dislike sushi. When I came to
the USA, all the products were the same as in Russia, but prepared a different
way. In the USA the vegetables have more chemicals than in Russia. American
people go to restaurants all the time. The kitchen in an American home is
always clean. The habit of American people is to go in a shop to buy a lot of
food on the weekend. I eat in a restaurant one day a month. I go to the Russian
restaurant Russian Bear. That is my favorite restaurant.--Iosif
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food
In nineteen fifty-five I went from Peking to Yunnan Province, Lan Jong

County, to work in a lead mine. It is a no good food, no meat, no
vegetable area. There was no supermarket and no store. On Sunday, my
wife and I went to the country to look for some native women to buy eggs,
meat, and vegetables from because they went to the farmer's market to
sell their products and to exchange for things that they needed. Ten years
passed and the situation had changed greatly. Stores and restaurants
were opened and we could buy anything. In 1988, I arrived in San
Francisco. We can eat very good food. In the supermarket we can buy
anything. There are many favorite restaurants we can go to. I feel very
happy and enjoy myself.--Tony
I'm from Korea. I like Korean food, especially kimchi. When I came here, my family
was really worried about my food because I'm a vegetarian and I couldn't imagine
being without kimchi and Korean food. So, I brought instant Korean food--more than
my clothes or books--because I thought I couldn't buy Korean food at that time. Now I
know I can buy Korean food in this city. I love pancakes, Chinese food, and Japanese
food. I'm trying to eat all kinds of food and enjoy them. One time, I was invited by my
friend who is a Japanese-American for dinner. I ate soba. We usually eat silently when
I eat noodles, but in Japan, they make a sound because it is more polite.--Giryun
I like all kinds of food if they are tasty. A new food for me was Japanese food,
especially sushi. It was very exotic, but I don't like raw fish. I'm very intereted in
new dishes, but my habits don't change. Russian food is good for me. I like
Chinese cuisine and sometimes my family goes to a Chinese restaurant. I go
shopping at least once a week and buy my food in different supermarkets. (It
depends on sales.) In my country I went to farmer's markets more because it
was cheaper and better than in the store. In San Francisco I don't eat in
restaurants very often. I don't like to go to the Russian restuarants because they
are so expensive. My favorite restaurants are French and sometimes Italian. I
like European style. I don't like the fast food restaurants. My favorite foods are
meat, fish, seafood and vegetables, if they are tasty and not very spicy.--Lilya

food
Certainly my style of eating is very different than American customs. In

my country, we usually cook some natural products like rice, wheat,
potatoes, or bananas. We also cook some hot or soft meals based on a
lot of various fishes, and we have mangoes, pineapple, papayas, lichees,
or tangarines for dessert. There are many ways we cook because of the
different influences from Indian, Arabic, African, Malayo-Indonesian, and
French cooking customs. Two of our special meals, among many others,
are the mkatre wa siniya and the madaba. For cooking the first one,
which is a type of cake, you need the following ingredients: flour, coconut
juice, salt, oil, and sugar, but for the final preparation you must leave it
under the sun for 24 hours before really baking it. --Ali
Filipino is the best food for me, especially adobo. Adobo is the most popular food in
our country. My husband really likes it too. I used to cook this kind of food twice a
week. And not only adobo, there is a lot of food there that you can find and you can
love because the taste is good. Here in America, people like eating cereal with milk,
fruit and dessert for their breakfast. For lunch they like roast beef with gravy, green
salad with dessert, and for dinner things like baked chicken with potatoes and carrots,
etc. with gravy and dessert. But in our country it is different. In the morning we eat
things like rice with egg or fish and water. That's all. For lunch, rice with meat and
vegetables, and for dinner rice, fish, meat and vegetables again, with water. We could
buy everything here because there are lots of stores with Asian food here in San
Francisco, so I can cook all kinds of Filipino foods. The new kind of food that I've tried
since I arrived here was American food, because we stayed at the house of my sister-
in-law and brother-in-law. My brother-in-law is American, so when my sister-in-law
cooked our food, for breakfast she gave me cereal with milk or bread with butter or
jelly. I couldn't eat because I never tried that before in our country. Also, the salads
were all greens and I never saw it in my country either. I didn't touch it, so my sister-
and brother-in-law were worried about me because I wasn't eating. I decided to find
out where the Filipino stores were to buy some stuff, and then I was going to have our
own food. In our country there are only small farmer's markets because the population
there is too small. We very seldom eat in restaurants, usually on our anniversary and
birthdays.--Maribeth

food
I'm from Lebanon. I eat Mediterranean food. In my country we have bread with
every meal. Some food is similar to American food, and some eating customs
are similar. When I got married in the USA there was no time for cooking
because I was working. There was mostly time to eat in a restaurant. I ate
Mexican food, and Japanese food, like sushi. It was new for me. In my country,
people shop every day. Everthing is fresh. We get it from the farmers in small
stores or from the supermarkets. My favorite restaurant is Spinnakers in
Sausalito. I usually eat Mediterranean food. I can't eat Chinese food too much
because I get tired of it. I like to eat lichees. In my country we don't have it. In
my country we have Italian and French food besides our food.--Sania
My first impression when I arrived in San Francisco was that the food is
not so different from that in Switzerland, but when you look deeper, you
can find some differences. What is different is that Americans mix the
food more; for example, when you go to the restaurant and you want to
eat just a green salad, it's difficult to find because they like to put many
things in the salad. The second thing is the size of the plates. They are
very big. You can never finsh your plate. Yes, you have many little
differences in thinking about food. The taste is not exactly the same as
that in Switzeland, but it is not so shocking. And in San Francisco you can
find everything; Chinese food, Indian food, Mexican food, European food,
and American food.--Laeticia
In my native country, we usually hold a bowl to drink soup, but here I saw Americans
always use a spoon to eat soup, and they make the soup very differently. For example,
if somebody has a cold in my country, they can't drink chicken soup, but here, I heard
somebody say, "Eat some chicken soup. It's good for a cold." They say chicken soup
is like medicine, but I don't know. Maybe I'll try it.--Joanne.
I love to eat. In my hometown, Nanjing, salt-cured duck is a very famous dish.

The duck isn't fat like here. It isn't fat and it smells good. I used to have that
twice a week. Many tourists buy the Nanjing duck to take back to give to a friend
as a gift. In America I have been trying lots of different kinds of food, but I still
miss the taste of Nanjing duck. In San Francisco I love to have French food. I
like lamb chops, crab cakes, fois gras, duck breast and baked mussels. When I
eat in a French restaurant, I always drink a glass of wine. Wine makes food
taste better! Then I have a cup of coffee. That will be perfect! I am always on a
diet, but I never stop having delicious food.--Cindy

food
I like all kinds of food, but not too spicy. American eating customs are
different than in my country, because we eat cheese with tea or orange
juice in the morning. Then at 1 or 2 PM, we eat lunch, and this is the most
important meal of the day. Then we eat dinner. In my country we used to
buy all the food and other things that are necessary for the house in the
supermarkets. We used to go twice a week.--Cristina
I was so surprised when I went to a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, because

everybody ate sushi with rice. Most people put soy sauce over the bowl of rice. If you
order sashimi, I understand, but... I couldn't buy fresh chicken meat. I like chicken
sashimi. It's very good. I'd like to try everything, different foods and restaurants, but my
husband doesn't like new things. We always go to the same restaurants; Chinese,
Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese. One day we went to an Indian restaurant. He didn't
say anything. It meant it was not good! American food has everything on a big big
plate. It is a Japanese custom, "You must finish your plate." It was difficult for me
before. Now it's okay, but I've gotten fat.--Ako
I had a small talk with a Swiss friend yesterday. In her native country, they
usually like to eat pasta for their daily meal. When she was in her native country,
she usually had to go shopping and buy food in the supermarket two to three
times a week. When she first arrived here, she really enjoyed staying in San
Francisco. She likes to try food from different countries. Japanese food and
Indian food are her favorites.--Helen
In my native country, people have three meals a day. They usually shop
early every morning and buy everything for the whole day. Our custom is
when a family member has a birthday or a promotion, we eat out with
family or friends. When I came to San Francisco there were some
differences, because when we ate out at an American restaurant, all the
people used forks. No one used chopsticks, and there was no rice either.
Now I have been living here for many years. I have gotten used to it. I can
eat everything if I like it.--Lindy
I really miss lichees. They taste very fresh and sweet. When I wanted to eat them, I
always picked them off a tree or went to the farm to buy them when I was in my
country. But I can't get them here like that, fresh and sweet. After I came to San
Francisco fortunately I found another favorite fruit. That is durian and it is new to me.
When I was in my country I never used to eat durian because it was very expensive
and it was hard to find in the market. Finally, I am used to eating durian two times a
month. I really enjoy it.--Kerry

food
I am good at eating. I like to eat everything. Before I came to San Francisco, I

had been in many countries in the world and had eaten different kinds of food.
My eating habits changed depending on the country I was living in, but I kept my
native eating habits most of all. I was surprised at how many different kinds of
food you can get in San Francisco. A lot of people from different countries can
shop for food they like, because there are many shops like in China, in Russia,
in Mexico, etc. I am interested in eating different kinds of food in restaurants, but
I can't afford to do it often. If I go out, I usually have Japanese, Chinese, or Thai
food.--Irina
There are many kinds of food in San Francisco.; Mexican food, American
food, Japanese food, Korean food, Chinese food, Thai food, etc. I am
very lucky I can live here to try different kinds of food. Most food I liked,
especially Japanese food. It is heealthy, has not too much oil, and it
tastes good. Usually I cook by myself. I like to steam fresh fish and cook
many vegetables, but it is a little difficult to eat fresh fish here because we
shop once a week, not like in my native country. We used to shop every
day, so we ate fresh fish every day. Now we eat fresh fish only
onSaturday or Sunday. Anyway, I will try to learn how to cook other kinds
of food, because there are many kinds of food here.--Emily
American eating customs are somewhat different from those in my native country. In
America, breakfast and lunch are casual, and Americans will have a good dinner. But
in my native country it is different. Breakfast and lunch are very important. You must
eat enough for breakfast and lunch because a person needs plenty of energy to work
in the daytime. In the evening they will have a good dinner, but not any more, so that
they can rest well. When I came to San Francisco, I could taste all kinds of food here. I
feel very happy. Although there are also many kinds of food in my native city, it's
expensive, so I must taste different food here. I like seafood, Japanese food, sushi,
barbeque and so on. Sometimes I eat in restaurants with my family.--Ricky

food
Food is very important to me. I like to eat, but I especially like sweet food. I can
eat cookies and ice cream all day long, but of course I don't because it isn't
healthy. I don't have any difference between eating in Russia and eating here.
There are a lot of Russian markets, and I can cook only Russian menus. My
knowledge in cooking is very poor because in Russia I seldom used to cook; my
mother did. Now that I don't have my mother with me, I have to cook for myself
and I like it. Yesterday evening, for example, I did a special meat with
vegetables, which were still fresh in my fridge. At first I fried the cubes of meat in
hot oil until boiling and then I added some beans from a can and then onions,
carrots, and celery. Finally I added a little salt and pepper and some tomato
paste and a cube of chicken broth and poured hot water on it so they wouldn't
fry, but stew. After 1 to 2 minutes I turned off the stove. The dish was done. My
husband said it was delicious. I didn't try it because it was too late for me, but
today when I come home after school I'll eat it with great pleasure because I'll
be so hungry.--Julia

Animals
I had a pet when I was a child in my native country. It was a cat. Although the cat was
cute, I didn't like it because it bit me many times, so I was afraid of it. After I had been
in San Francisco for a while, I saw Americans treat pets the same as people, and the
pets are so gentle and never attack the people. I started to change my mind slowly.
Once I needed to help my friend take care of his pet. In the beginning I was afraid. I
didn't touch it and waited until the dog sat down. At last I felt the dog was very gentle
and affectionate. I touched it and it looked like it enjoyed it and I felt so happy.--Ricky
A few years ago, when I was in my country, I bred my dog three times. My first
dog was loved by all the family because he came to my home after a couple of
days as soon as he was born. So, he lived with us for many years. But, when he
was about ten years old, he was killed and became healthy food for humans
because my grandparents started to live with us and they seemed like they
didn't want to raise a dog and my family had no time to take care of him. My
family was sad and cried. In my country, a few people eat dog meat for their
health. But, most people don't like to eat it. In America, on the way home I can
see many people going somewhere with their dogs and exercising in the park.
As many parks are big, a lot of dogs can run around and exercise. But I couldn't
do that in my country. The park is so small and there are just a few in my
country. I miss my first dog. Oh, I forgot to let you know his name. It was Minam.
Next time if I have a dog, I hope that I can exercise with my dog.--Eun-Suk
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Animals
Since my childhood I have really liked animals. My parents took me to the

circus and to the zoo. In my country I had a beautiful dog. Its name was
Dara. That means "present" because she was a present for my birthday.
She was extremely friendly and smart. We counted, and she knew about
100 words. When I came to America I was very surprised at how people
treated their pets. It was like worshipping them. Having pets here is very
expensive and hard. Food, visits to the vet, insurance, etc. Moeover, I
don't like overfed pets. I visit the San Francisco Zoo sometimes. That is a
big pleasure for me. I like the surroundings. I think that really helps people
to understand how important it is to guard the environment. In my country
the environment is a very big problem, especially after the Chernobyl
catastrophe. I think that the environment is the most important thing for
life over this small Earth.--Lilya
I'd like to talk about pets in my country. People liked dogs and cats a few years ago,
but now they have a lot of pets like spiders, lizards, bats, lions...At that time I thought a
pet was just a dog or a cat, but a pet can be any kind of animal if someone likes it. I felt
scared and strange that people had those kinds of animals. Now I've changed my
mind, because it doesn't matter which animal is a pet. They are all alive and animals.
They can be pets.--Giryun
I am from Russia. In Russia the first problem is the citizens who are people. A
lot of people don't have food and medicine. The next problem is the pets. The
pets eat the same food as the people. A lot of people don't have money to buy
other food in a shop for their pets. I had a cat and a dog in my country. Now I
don't have pets, because I live in an apartment and my landlord doesn't like
pets. In my country pets are treated the same as in America. The zoos in Russia
have endangered animals. A lot of places don't have zoos. The problems are
very big.--Iosif
I remember that when I lived with my younger sister in Taiwan, we both

had a pet. I had a dog which my sister found after she had already gotten
another one that someone had given to her. So we had two dogs at our
apartment, but they never fought with each other. I heard somebody say
that the first dog always has the authority at the place where it arrived
first. Another reason is that the first dog is braver than the other one.
They had different personalities, but they were both lovely and sweet.
They gave us wonderful memories.--Beatrice

Animals
I like cats, but they give my son allergies. One day I went to my friend's house. Her
daughter has two cats. One is white and the other one is a gray color. They are so
beautiful and so quiet. They just sit in front of you. My aunt had a blue bird that learned
to say "hello" and sang a song.--Doris
In Japan, a kind of bird named "toki" and another named "nipponia nippon"
became endangered species. The government protected them and the Chinese
government presented some to Japan. Still now toki are few, but they are
increasing little by little. As for zoos, I think it is good to protect endangered
species, but I don't like cages. Of course, animals don't like cages either. I like a
safari park, because animals are at least a little bit free. American dogs are
more polite than Japanese dogs. I don't know why. Do they have secret
training?--Mizuho
In my native country, China, only special animals would be protected.

Most animals were unprotected. In the farmer's market you can buy any
animal to eat. In the restaurant, if you give a lot of money, you can eat
cats, dogs, snakes, fruit foxes, and even monkey brains. Some people kill
tigers, bears, and other animals to make medications to sell. In the U.S.,
people in most families like pets. People feed the dogs and cats and take
care of them. There are many pet hospitals to cure the animals. Killing
and eating cats, dogs, and pigeons is prohibited. I like pets very much,
but I can't feed and take care of one because I don't have money to buy
cat food and my house is very small and I'm not the owner.--Tony
My pet is a cat named "Kitty Cat." she loves me and I love her too. We always play
and sleep together. Americans treat pets the same as in my country. I always go to the
zoo because I want to see different animals that I never saw in my native country. Yes,
zoos can help endangered species because in some other countries there is no space
for them. They make a residential or commerical office building, and the environment
changes. The problems of the environment in our country are especially with water,
trees, mountains, and the land. The way they make commercial office buildings means
the animals in our country are endangered.--Maribeth
Personally, I think American people treat their pets like a person. I'm not saying
that is wrong, but I think it's too much. In my country they don't care as much as
Americans, but they like their pets a lot (like me). I really like pets. I used to have
a dog and her name was "Laila." Two years ago she died. I really miss her. She
was the best dog I ever had.--Cristina

Animals
When I was a child, I had a lot of animals--dogs, a rabbit, a bird, etc. It

was really nice. I think for a child it's really good to have a pet because
you have a little responsibility and affection. Now I don't have an animal
because I live in a small apartment and it is a lot of work to have an
animal, but I think later if I have a child, I will have a pet.--Laeticia
I like animals, and my kids like animals too, so we often go to the San Francisco Zoo.
My son is only two years old. He likes to watch tigers, lions, elephants, and crocodiles.
My daughter, who is six years old, likes to watch monkeys and birds, especially
flamingos and peacocks. We are very happy in the zoo because it's very nice, clean
and safe. But one thing always bothers us. When we play in the playground or a park
or a beach, some dogs that look like wolves come without a leash, and their owner is
far away behind them. My kids are very afraid that the dog might bite them. Maybe we
will also see some dog's poo-poo in the grass or on the road. "That's yucky!" my
daughter always says!--Zhao
I love dogs. I've always wanted to have one, but I'm afraid I can't take care of
them well. My friend, who has dogs, told me taking care of a dog isn't easy. It's
just like taking care of a child. You have to treat them well. First, you need to
read books about dogs. Then choose the right one and teach them everything
from when they are puppies. I think Americans treat pets better than in my
country. There are many services for pets here. When a dog is sick, it's easy to
find a pet doctor. When you are not home, you can send your dog to a pet
motel. If you don't have time to walk your dog, there is a dog walker that can
help you. Also you can bring your dog to a dog hair salon to make the dog
pretty. If the environnment is clean, it is easy to keep the dog clean. Dogs are
always people's best friend. I hope I will have a dog next year!--Cindy
A lot of the people in my country like to have pets. For me, I don't like any
animals because I'm very afraid of them. Some day I want to go to the
zoo. I haven't seen the animals and visited them. Americans treat animals
very well, just like people. I think it is very interesting. The panda in my
country is protected as an endangered specie. We must protect the
environment and animals like people.--Huan Ping

My Native City
Write About Your Native City
Hong Kong. It's a beautiful and model city. It has very tall buildings built on a small
island. Many people live there. In fact, it will give some visitors a surprise to see how
they are living in a little place and they could keep it clean and quiet. So I love it very
much.--LaiKan
I was born in Monchegorsk, near Murmansk. It is a very small city in the north of
Russia. The population is about 14 thousand people. There's a very cold winter
and it isn't hot in the summer. I like my city because I passed my childhood
there and the people were friendlier than in the big cities. In the winter we had a
short day. It became dark at 2-3:00 p.m. There were very long days in the
summer, when the night looked like day. It was always light (It made me
confused when I woke up to go to school :) ). The short nights are called the
"white nights." If you visit our city you can see the beautiful, gorgeous, Northern
Lights. If you see it just once you'll remember it all your life. It's unbelievably
beautiful. There's a North Pole nature sanctuary for animals. There are very rare
kinds of animals there. It is protected by the government. It's a big territory, and
there are good conditions for them. I like having been there.--Julia
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My Native City
I am from Busan in Korea. Busan is the second biggest city in Korea. It is

a beach city. It has several famous beaches such as Hoe Un Doe, Gwong
An Li, and Song Do. Hae Un Doe beach is the most famous, where about
eighty thousand people visit to swim, suntan, and surf every summer. But
I don't like many people to visit there because the pollution has become
severe. You can find this city in the bottom right corner in South Korea.
The weather of this city is warmer than other cities. There are four
seasons. Summer is hotter than San Francisco, and winter is colder than
San Francisco. In Summer, many plants grow fast and become very
green. In addition, there is a period of big rain. Many people are killed and
injured and lose their things. The big rain is from typhoons from the
Pacific Ocean. In Winter, it is rarely snowy because it is an ocean city.
Sometimes, I can see snow. Then, many people are pleased, especially
for the first snow. They call their friends and family to enjoy it.--Eun Suk
Hi. I am from Thailand. My native city is called Prachuabkhirikhan. It is in the

southeast. It is small and rural, but it is very beautiful. It is near the ocean, mountains,
and a waterfall. There are history museums and aquariums. It is very hot from March
to May, and raining from June to August. After that season the weather is very good.
When it is raining, there is lightning. Some people work in offices or on farms. People
shop at markets and supermalls. As for my advice about going to Thailand, it is good.
You will have a good time. The people are very friendly and helpful.--Thip
NanJing City is where I was born. I lived there for 23 years. I love my hometown.
I've been back to my native city every year since I left. NanJing is the old capital
city of China. It is a wonderful city, medium-sized with beautiful views. A long
river goes through the city. There are some lakes and many parks in NanJing
City. The city has a long, old history, but the weather in NanJing isn't good. It's
very very hot in summer and very very cold in winter. The best season is fall.
People who live in NanJing speak the NanJing dialect. They like to eat NanJing
duck. NanJing duck is a famous dish in China. The duck isn't fat and it is tasty.
I've missed the duck dish since I came here.--Cindy

My Native City
I am from Russia. My native city is Omsk. It is located in West Siberia.

Omsk is the capital city of West Siberia. The city is a big, typical urban
city. In the middle of the city there is a river. The name of the river is
Irtysh. In the city of Omsk and around it there are pine and other trees.
The city of Omsk has a historical museum. It tells about the birth of the
city of Omsk. The weather in summer is hot and winter is cold. In winter it
is very snowy. In the street there is a lot of snow. The temperature is
bitter cold. The buildings are made of brick. A lot of people work in the
arms factory. My wife is planning a trip to my native city. There are a lot of
differences between San Francisco and the city of Omsk. For example,
the weather, downtown, museums, and beaches--Iosif
My native city is Kangwon do, Korea. It is in the eastern part. It is a small town but has
a very beautiful mountain. The mountain's name is O Doe mountain. My native city's
weather has four seasons but summer and winter are longer than spring and fall.
There is a lot of snow in winter and there are pretty maple leaves in summer and fall.
Many people visit my native city when they have free time, just like San Francisco. I
miss my native city.--Giryun
My native city is Nara. It is in the western part of Japan. It was the capital about
twelve hundred years ago. There are very beautiful parks in Nara where there
are a lot of deer. There are many famous, historic temples, such as "Todaiji" and
"Horyuji." There is "Daibutu" which is the biggest statue of Buddha. The size of
the nostril is so big that we can fit through it. Of course, we don't do such a thing
because it would be rude to Buddha.--Mizuho
My native city is Moscow, the capital of Russia. This is a huge and

beautiful city. There, modern architecture and old-fashioned style
architecture are mixed together. The heart of the city is the Kremlin. It is
the former residence of Russian Czars starting in the 12th century. It is
the workplace of our present President now. There are a lot of famous
historical museums and gorgeous cathedrals opened for visitors in the
Kremlin. Everybody can become acquainted with the treasures of our
czars in Diamond Stock. The well-known Red Square and Mausoleum is
inside the walls of the Kremlin. Moscow is not just a big city. It is like a
country inside another one. Moscow, with its suburbs named
Podmoscorvil spread around like a circle with a diameter of more than
200 kilometers. It's like a small European country and has separate laws
from other cities in Russia. The life in Moscow is fast, intense, and tough.
Most of the people work in the center and live on the outskirts of the city.
It usually takes one to one and a half hours for everyone to get to work.
Fortunately, we have the fastest, most extensive, and most beautiful

My Native City
transportation system in the world, called Metro. The Metro carries

millions of people underground every day. There are different, interesting,
gorgeous stations made from marble underground here. I love my city
best of all.--Irina
My native city Taipei [Taiwan] is very different from San Francisco, especially the
weather. The weather is very hot and humid in the summertime. You feel sticky and
wet on your body every afternoon in the summertime. Meanwhile, you feel you can't
breathe because the temperature makes you sick. In the winter, it always has
typhoons.--Beatrice
My native city is Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine, formerly part of the Soviet
Union. Kiev is the most beautiful city (in my opinion) I have ever seen. It really
looks like San Francisco, because there are a lot of hills and parks. Kiev has
different museums and historic buildings because it is more than 1000 years old.
The River Dnieper is spectacular. It's like a snake and winds around the city,
dividing it into two parts. There aren't any big high skyscrapers, but the buildings
are extraordinary. My advice to visitors is to go to the streets and look and look
and you will have fun walking in this beautiful city.--Lilya
I'm from Russia. My native city is Leningrad-St. Petersburg. I was born

and grew up in Leningrad. St. Petersburg was built by Peter the Great
300 years ago on May 16, 1703. It is located on the River Neva. It is an
urban, industrial big northern seaport. St. Petersburg is a European city.
In my opinion it is the most beautiful city in Russia. It was built and
decorated by many Italian and French architects. In St. Petersberg there
are a lot of sights: remarkable monuments, museums, cathedrals, and
theaters. The Hermitage is one of the most famous museums not only in
Russia, but also in Europe. In the suburbs around St. Petersburg there
are a lot of lakes and pine and birch forests. The scenery is bright and
picturesque. The climate is humid. It rains often. We've built a lot of new
buildings around St. Petersburg in the suburbs. Many people received
new apartments. There are a lot of different shops and supermarkets, but
there is an important and (I think) unsolvable problem--transportation,
especially during "rush hour." It is too expensive to take a taxi, but all the
buses and trains are always crowded. It takes a lot of time to get to work
and home.--Berta

My Native City
My native city is Tarlac City, located in Northern Luzon [Phillipines]. It's a small city,
surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and beautiful beaches and tourist
spots. We had two seasons in our country, the rainy season and the dry season. When
the rainy days come, we have a lot of heavy rains, typhoons and strong wind, floods,
lightning, and strong thunderstaorms that arre scary for me. When it's the dry season,
it's very very hot and you need to go to the beach or river to take a bath and soak your
body. It helps with the heat. So if someone is planning a trip to my native country, I
advise them to bring light clothes.--Maribeth
My native city is Saint-Petersburg. It's located in the Northwest area of Russia.

Saint-Petersburg is a very famous city in the world. There are a lot of museums
and palaces there. The most famous is the Hermitage. It's a very beautiful
palace and a very interesting museum. If you want to see everything in the
Hermitage, you will be there for several months. Now there is a very interesting
and beautiful amber room. It is in one of the palaces next to St. Petersburg. That
room was lost during the Second World War and it was restored this year.--
Lyudmila
The name of my native city is Lausanne [Switzerland]. Lausanne is a

small city but you have a lot of things to do; museums, cafés, theaters,
etc. What is also nice about Lausanne is that it is near the lake and the
mountains. And Lausanne is like San Francisco because it has a lot of
hills. It's why you have a nice view of the lake. The weather in Lausanne
is normal. You have four seasons. In the summer it is warm and in the
winter you have snow.--Laeticia
My country is located in South America and the name of the city is Córdoba
[Argentina]. The city is not too big and it's not small either. It's urban and it is
surrounded by rural places. The weather in my native country is really, really hot in
summer and it's cold in winter. That is the reason that I like San Francisco. It's always
cool, sometimes foggy, but it's fine to me.--Cristina

Home
I've lived in an apartment for two years. My apartment is very small but very cozy. I
have one bedroom, and a kitchen together with a living room. The location of my
apartment is very convenient and quiet. Before this time I lived in the Bay Area with my
daughter, and now I'm very happy to live in San Francisco and go to school to study
English and see my friends who are there. My apartment in San Francisco isn't very
different from apartments in my native city. My apartment was also small and cozy. It
was near a huge Botanical Park specializing in lilacs, unique in Europe. When the
lilacs flowered, a lot of people came from different cities to see those spectacular
flowers and smell their perfume. I'm very surprised about the flowers in San Francisco
which don't have a fragrance, because the climate and lots of sunshine could promote
that. I like my apartment in San Francisco and thank America for my living there.--Lilya
I have been living in my house for eight years. My house has three bedrooms,
two bathrooms, a dining room, a living room, and a kitchen. Usually I spend a lot
of time in the kitchen. Of course the living room is my favorite room. I really like
to live in this area because it is very clean, quiet, safe, and it is in a convenient
location. Also, this is a nice neighborhood. One thing, if possible, I would like to
build a swimming pool. That would be perfect.--Helen
I want to buy a house now. I'm looking for a nice place with a nice price in
a good neighborhood that is convenient and has good schools. We've
rented a basement for five years. I don't like anything. My neighborhood is
ok, but on three sides the houses have some dogs and flies. Anyway,
owning a house is better than living in an apartment. My father is a
carpenter. I know how to fix some house problems. I like painting and
gardening too. By the way, I am from Tokyo, Japan. I lived near Tokyo
Bay. Twenty years ago, I could see some ships from my house but right
now there are a lot of big, tall buildings there. Tokyo Bay has fireworks
shows in the summer. Now we can see only half a circle of fireworks.
Before we could see Tokyo Disneyland's fireworks show too.--Ako
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Home
I've lived in San Francisco in the same place for four and a half years. My family rents
an apartment. The apartment is big and has three rooms and a big kitchen. In the
building where I live there are six apartments. My neighbors are all American people. A
lot of them work in computer companies. One neighbor works as a babysitter. She is
very friendly. The place is not so good where I live. On the street there are a lot of cars
and I can't sleep in the evening. I dream of another apartment, but this apartment is
cheap. I really like San Francisco, because in my city it's too cold. In my native country
the city where I lived a long time is Omsk. San Francisco and Omsk are very different
cities. San Francisco is a very beautiful city, with good weather, downtown, museums,
and beaches. San Francisco is a world city. When I studied in Russia I learned about
San Francisco, because this city is historic.--Iosif
I live in San Francisco, in the Sunset area. I have a three-bedroom house. My

neighbors are very nice and quiet. My place is very convenient. We have the 29
bus and N Judah a block away. Also, near my house there are Chinese
supermarkets and Safeway. I like my area and my neighbors, but I don't like
San Francisco houses very much because they are very old. The weather is so
cold and it's always foggy. The good thing is the environment is so nice; we
don't have bad air pollution. In my native country, the houses are nice and it's
not foggy, but the air pollution is so bad and it's so crowded. Actually, I like San
Francisco better.--Julliana
Living in San Francisco is much different from my native country, but I like
both places in different ways. In San Francisco, I live on 39th Avenue in
the Richmond, an area which I love because my house is near Golden
Gate Park and Ocean Beach. I like the two places near my house. If I
have spare time, I will walk to Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach so that I
can relax. I feel comfortable. And I like the environment in the Richmond.
It's quiet and the air is clear. There are plenty of trees and flowers, and I
can always listen to the birds sing. It's hard to see that in my native city,
which is a business city. There are plenty of buildings around my
apartment. Sometimes the cars and buses make noise to disturb you
when you stay at home. Although my native city is like this, I like it very
much, but the love is different from San Francisco.--Ricky

Home
I live in an apartment in the Richmond. There are two bedrooms, one bathroom, one
kitchen and a living room. It's not too big, but for my family it's enough because my
family has three people, my husband, my son, and myself. It's a nice place because
there are a lot of businesses nearby, so when I want to buy something or want to eat
something I don't need to drive. However, the Richmond is a busy place. When I go
back home I need to take more time to find a parking space. Sometimes if I can find a
parking space in a short time, I feel that it is my lucky day. My neighbor is very nice.
She is Chinese. Sometimes she'll cook something special and share it with me, so I
like her so much. My native country is Hong Kong. Hong Kong living places are
smaller than San Francisco, so except for the size there is not a big difference, but I
like living in San Francisco more than Hong Kong because San Francisco is cleaner.--
Cynthia
We (my husband and I) are living in a big twelve-story building in the center of
San Francisco on Laguna Street near the Civic Center. The building has two
elevators, but sometimes I like to walk up for the exercise. We are living on the
fourth floor. We have a one-bedroom apartment: One small bedroom (It is not
only our bedroom, but also a study with a desk and a computer for my
husband's work) and one nice living-dining room combined with a kitchen. We
have already gotten used to it, although it would be better if we had a separate
kitchen. Unfortunately, we don't have a balcony, but we have a wonderful view
of the city and mountains, especially at night. Our apartment is sunny, quiet and
cozy. There is a lot of sun after 4 pm. Overall it is in good condition. We are
living in an international building. There are a lot of Americans, Afro-Americans,
Chinese, and Russians. All the people are very friendly. Sometimes we get
together in the community dining room to communicate and drink coffee or tea.
In my native country we also lived in the center of St. Petersburg, but our life
was different. As for me, it is interesting to live a different life, and it is interesting
to get to know the American way of life and American culture.--Berta
I lived in an apartment in Russia. There are a few differences between

apartments in San Francisco and apartments in Moscow. Usually we
have a separate kitchen and more beautiful building designs. In Russia, if
you have two rooms in your apartment it's called a two-bedroom
apartment. A two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco has three rooms;
two bedrooms and a living room. I used to live in a one-bedroom
apartment In Russia. There were two rooms and a bathroom, but the
toilet was separate and there was a separate kitchen. I liked my
apartment a lot because I lived there a very long time. That place became
very familiar to me. I remember my childhood with my twin sister there. It
was one of the best times in my life.--Julia

Home
I have lived in an apartment building since 1998. My neighborhood has a very good
location and it is convenient for seniors because there are several buses nearby.
However this neighborhood has some serious problems. It's dangerous sometimes,
and noisy day and night. There are many young people on the street who don't work
and stay every day selling drugs. I think now the situation is becoming better because
there are a lot of new restaurants and businesses appearing in this neighborhood and
many other people visit them. I hope that very soon my neighborhood will be a good,
quiet and clean place.--Lyudmila
I live in a small one-bedroom apartment with my husband. I like my apartment

because it is on the roof and I have a lot of light and a little view. I live a ten-
minute walk from school. It's a nice neighborhood because it's quiet and my
neighbors are nice. What I dislike is that we don't have a garage and the
apartment is just a little too small but it's okay. When I came to San Francisco i
thought that we would live in a worse place, but we found this apartment in five
days and it's really better than I thought.--Laeticia
I live in a house with my parents and one sister. My house is not too big,
but it's not small either. On the first floor we have two bedrooms, one
bathroom, a kitchen, and the living room. On the second floor, we have
one bedroom with a bathroom, and the garage. I don't like San Francisco
houses because they are too close to each other. I like my neighborhood
and sometimes I talk with my neighbors. My neighborhood has a
supermarket and a lot of other stores.--Cristina
We live in an apartment. We've been here for five years now. It is a small studio type
with a little room, kitchen and bathroom. We like the place where we are living. It is
very convenient for me and my husband. It has easy access to the farmer's market
across the street, and it's walking distance to the mall, church, and going to school.
Our neighborhood has Chinese, American, and Mexican people. They are all very
friendly, good, and nice to us. We know them well. Sometimes they will invite us for
gatherings. Actually, there's a big difference for me between living in my own native
coutnry and living here in San Francisco, because in my native country, I had a nice
house and a big backyard that I could plant vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees in. We
raised some livestock on the farm. Living here in San Francisco it's hard to have a big
house and a huge backyard.--Maribeth

Home
I live in the Sunset. It is a neighborhood in San Francisco near the beach and
Golden Gate Park. My neighbor is Russian. She is friendly. I like this place
because it's quiet, has fresh air, and I have a good neighbor. However, most of
the time it is too foggy, which I don't like. In my native country, I lived downtown
where there is too much noise and too much pollution from cars. However, it
was very convenient. There were many stores, restaurants, a shopping mall,
theater and supermarket in our neighborhood. It is very different, but I like my
home in America.--Emily
I live in the Richmond. There is a beach and park (Golden Gate Park)
nearby. I like my place because I usually go to the park and beach,
especially when I miss my hometown. I go to the beach and I think that it
is my hometown at the end of the beach. My neighbor is very kind. One of
my neighbors is the Chinese Buddhist temple, so sometimes we talk
about Buddhism and food and culture. I love my place except for the
weather. My place has heavy fog. I heard that the weather is important to
some people, and if the weather is foggy and rainy all day, they will be
depressed.--Giryun.
In San Francisco, my family rents a flat on the third floor. Every month we pay the rent
on time. I don't have any private parties. Every day is very quiet. My wife and I, my
daughter and daughter-in-law, my grandson and granddaughter stay there. In the
morning they always go to work or go to school and only come back home at night.
Sometimes, the children run and play. The landlord lives on the second floor. They
don't have any children. They feel the voices are loud and get very angry and make a
call to me. Sometimes my grandchildren walk fast and run. The landlord complains
again and again. When she calls on the phone my children feel very afraid. My son
and daughter said she must be crazy. I don't think so. I know the landlord doesn't have
children so they don't understand what children want or what children like.--Tony

Jobs
Write About Jobs
In China, normally people at age eighteen, which is after they graduate from high
school, begin to work. People usually retire at age sixty, but a lot of people retire early
at fifty-five. It's important to have a job where you can make a lot of money, but it's
more important that it is a job you are interested in and that you'll like.--Helen
All people want to get a job that earns a lot of money. In my country, most
students are concerned about which job will be popular a few years later and
which major they should choose so they will get a lot of money. That is the first
reason for choosing a major, more than what talent or interest they have. In my
country, very professional jobs are popular, such as doctor, lawyer, pharmacist,
judge. For those sort of jobs you need to study hard for over a decade.
However, dirty, difficult, dangerous jobs which are called 3D jobs are lower paid
and you don't need to study hard for many years. It needs only a little skill.
People look down on those kinds of jobs and respect those who are like doctors.
I heard it's not the same in America. They have to treat them the same because
one is dangerous and one needs to have a lot of money and time spent on it. If
so, it is fair.--Eun-Suk
When I was a child, my dream was to be a doctor. This subject needed

too much study and I am not too smart, so I specialized in Arabic
literature. I taught for one year. It was hard. In my country there are still
some jobs for men and not for women, like policeman, firefighter, but
other jobs are equal. Usually people start to work in my country after they
finish high school and stop when they retire. I work now in my café. It's
fun and I make money plus tips. I think singers or actresses make more
money than others.--Sania
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Jobs
Sorry! At this time I am retired, and I don't have a job. In my native country I had a
good job. I worked in a research institute. My job was to research carbon black, and
how to clean the granulate and build up from machines. In the end I had to write an
article in a chemical magazine, write and receive a patent. I liked my job a lot, the
same as Lauri likes her job. When I finished the university, I came to this institute and I
worked in a laboratory. Then I got a promotion and I stayed as a lab manager. I think
my job was very interesting. For me, it's more important to have a good job than make
a lot of money on the worst job.--Iosif
In San Francisco, I don't have a job, but I am looking for a job now. I think in
San Francisco it is hard to find a job because my English is not good. I can't
speak very well, so first of all I want to improve my English. In my native country
I was a jewelry salesperson. I liked my job because I like to talk to someone. I
don't like to work in an office. It's so boring. In Hong Kong, the retirement age is
about 65. Usually people start to work at 18. In Hong Kong so many families find
a house helper. Most house helpers are women, because they need to take
care of babies and do a lot of housework.--Cynthia
When I was a child, I hoped to become a doctor, but I've never been a
doctor. In my native country I worked in an import and export trading
company for more than ten years. I liked that job because it gave me a
good chance to learn different things. When your business does better
and better and you are successful, you feel so happy. I have been in San
Francisco almost one year, but I can't look for the same job. I must speak
English fluently and have a certificate. However, I'll study English first and
then try my best to get a business certificate to prepare for the same job.--
Emily
I wanted to be a judge when I was a child because I wanted to help other people who
were poor. I still wanted to be a lawyer or judge when I saw poor people and they have
big problems until I saw a TV program in the U.S.A. When I saw the TV program about
a judge, I thought that job is so difficult and makes you tired. Many times the judge has
been angry or felt bad. So, I changed my mind after that.--Giryun

Jobs
In my native country, when I graduated from the university, I was sent to Peking
to work for one and a half years. Later I was sent to the Yunan Province, Lane
Gang County lead mine to work for twenty-three years. My job was as a
secretary in an office. It was an order. I had to obey, but there was no choice. I
was born in Kwangchow but the government didn't let me work in Kwangtung
again for a long time. In 1979 they just let me go back to work in Kwantung Shin
Kwan. In 1988 I enetered the U.S. and found a full-time job at Fong Brother's
Printing Inc. I was a bindering worker for thirteen years. I worked hard every day
so I could keep the job for a long time. After 9/11 events, the company's
economics was no good and I was laid off with other workers. Now I still
remember the past time while I worked hard all day. Thank God for letting me
have a good life in America.--Tony
While I was a child, I had a dream to become a teacher. In my native city,

I went to school every day and started to love school. The students
studied hard and the teacher was patient teaching the students. The
situation was glorious, so I loved school very much. Although I loved
school, I knew I would grow up and leave the school to find a job. But I
had a good idea so I wouldn't leave the school. If I became a teacher, I
would work in a school and not leave the school. I would teach knowledge
and live and play with my students and then I would be in school forever.
So I wish to become a teacher when I grow up.--Ricky
I am lucky because I got a very good education in my country and it was absolutely
free. I graduated from a commercial university named Academy of National Economy
and I got a job I wanted. I was lucky twice because I had a job which made me a good
salary and was interesting. Most of my life I worked for a jeweler's company. My
experience was around thirty years. Many people had a good education and job before
Perestroika. Nowadays it is very difficult to study because it costs a lot of money.
There are no workers' places for people; many factories and plants are closed. I think it
is the fault of our government.--Irina.
My first job was taking care of a lady, with my little English. In my country, I
worked as a store manager in the shoe department. When I was a child I
dreamed of becoming an ice cream seller. In my country, people start working
from 25 until they retire at 55 to 60. For me, a boring job is when people are
sitting and working all day. Now I am a cosmetologist and I work at a children's
salon. I am very happy with my job.--Roza

Jobs
In my country they used to have a difference between women's jobs and

men's jobs, but nowadays, women can do men's jobs, like police officer or
carpenter or other kinds of work. When I was a child I wanted to be a
police officer, but that was when I was a child. I don't like it anymore.
Nowadays I want to study how to give a haircut and maybe I would like to
study computers because I always wanted to learn how to type fast on
the computer. Also, it's useful to know how to use a computer, especially
here in the United States.--Cristina
In my country I had a nice job. I was working as a salesclerk in the mall. I was working
there for 12 years. It's where I met my husband. When I was a child, I always imagined
someday I would like to become a teacher. My grandmother and my aunt are both
teachers. When I saw them every day they were wearing their uniforms and holding
books. I used to say that someday I should follow in their footsteps. But my wish didn't
come true, because of our hardship. My parents could not afford to support us all in
college. There were nine sisters in my family. Instead of going to school, I needed to
go to work to help our parents. Now I'm here in San Francisco. I decided to go back to
school to learn more English and widen my vocabulary. Maybe someday I can finish
my ambition to become a teacher, and I will be proud of myself. Then my dreams will
come true.--Maribeth
When I was a girl, I liked dancing and dreamed of becoming a famous ballet
dancer. When I grew up, I changed my mind and decided to study literature and
art at a university. I graduated from Leningrad University, but I couldn't find any
job only because of my nationality (I'm Jewish.) It was a dismal time, with an
outburst of anti-semitism. Fortunately, after Stalin's death, I began to work. I
taught foreign literature and art at a college and liked my job and my students
very much. In my opinion, it's more important and interesting for people to like
their jobs than to make a lot of money. I always felt happy when my students
won an award for their compositions. If I were young and rich, I'd open an art
gallery in San Francisco and I'd teach students about European and American
literature and art. In my country every man or woman can choose any
occupation, they are equal. It depends on their talent and skills. According to the
law, all men can retire at the age of 60, and all women at the age of 55, but they
can keep working if they want to.--Berta
I always like traveling. I used to work at a travel agency when I lived in

Russia. It was an interesting time and I'm happy that I could learn
something new from different countries and cultures. Now, I don't work. In
the near future I'd like to take the travel and tourism course at City
College. When I come home I hope it will help me get a good job.--Julia

Education
In my native country, the government made a law about education. All children by six
years old must go to elementary school. After level six, they have to go to middle
school, and then go to high school. After that, they take a public test to see if they can
get a score to go into college. If they pass the test, they'll get a graduate certificate.--
Laikan
Public education begins in elementary school in my country. Before elementary

school, there is a kindergarten; however, it depends on how much you can
afford. The children who become 8 years old start to go to school. After six
grades, they graduate from the school and start middle school. It is for 3 years
and after that, they become high school students for 3 years also. The higher
the grade in school, the heavier the burden of study. When they enter the third
grade of high school, they have to prepare for the test for college or university,
like the SAT in America. At that time, they can't sleep, play, watch TV or enjoy
their free time. Their only concern is the test and the score of their class. I
underwent that experience. It was terrible. During the year, I gained weight and
worried about why my score wasn't higher even though I studied harder and
harder. Now, in my country, that has created a serious problem because if the
students go to the university after the hard test, perhaps they think they are free
so they don't think about their university class anymore. Almost all people,
parents and even students think only about entering the university and how high
a score they need to get in. I don't like this school system of my country so I
always wanted to go to school in America. I think there are other problems in my
country's school system also, although I can not mention them here.--Eun-Suk
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Education
The schools in Russia have many differences with those in the U.S.
Usually a kid goes to school at 6 years old and finishes at 16 years old.
There are 9 levels (middle school) or 11 levels (it's called high school).
Everyone has a chance to choose middle or high school. I studied 11
levels and then I studied 4 years at the university. Our schools are free,
and we also have private schools. I think our education is excellent. We
have many kinds of various subjects that fit in different spheres of life.
Our universities are mostly free for students. You have to pass some
exams. If you can't pass, you can choose some preparation courses to
pass exams. Also, if you don't want to lose one year, you can choose
commercial courses. That means you have to pay for the courses. It's
expensive. There are state and commercial universities in Russia. The
state university is supposed to be better than the commerical one
because at the end of study you get a state diploma. When you try to find
some job, the state diploma is higher than the commercial one. Of course,
it isn't so important at the interview. You have to show all your skills :)
That's why I advise you to visit Job Preparation on the second floor,
Room 226.--Julia
In my native country, it is mandatory for all children to go to school. Before they go to

school, the parents go in a building and write the names of the kids who are seven
years old. The parents next get a letter that says what school they must go to. In
Russia, it is all public high school. The school year is 9 months. Students start to study
in school the first of September and finish on the 5th or 6th of June. The school day is
8-10 hours. When the students finish studying level 4 at the end of high school, they
have an examination. The students who don't pass then go in this class a second time.
The students study twelve years. The student has a journal where the teacher checks
what the student has studied. Once a week the parents must look at it and write their
signature. More teachers in school are women. The test in school is different than in
America. We don't have answers "a, b, c, d." The test in Russian schools is more for
remembering the rules. The student reads a classic book and writes a composition.
They write more dictation. Once a week the teacher reads a story and the student
writes an essay or the student writes about the theme for what they read yesterday. In
school all day the teacher can demand the students repeat the old rules. I think my
mathematics teacher was very intelligent and smart. His homework was very hard and
very interesting. When I studied this subject all the students looked at the teacher like
a god. His material was very good and clear. The personality of the teacher was very
strong. This teacher was a model for me. I think of him all my life.--Iosif

Education
There are some differences in education between my native country and here.
Here classes are informal. You can discuss with your partner, drink something,
go to the restroom and so on. When you answer or ask a question, you never
stand up. However, in my native country the class is very serious. You can't
discuss, drink, or go to the restroom. If you need to, you must ask the teacher. I
feel the rule is crazy. When you ask or answer a question, you have to stand up
so as to respect the teacher. Another thing I hate about the Chinese education
system is if you want to go to college, you will need a high score. So the teacher
is always cramming in the knowledge. You must finish plenty of practice so that
you can get a high score. I hate the education system.--Ricky
I want to talk about the differences in classroom customs between my

country and here. When I came to this school the first time, I was
surprised about teachers and students. Students call the teachers by their
first name but I didn't before. If I did that in my country, that would be a
big mistake. The next difference is about rules. There are a lot more rules
in my country's schools than here. We need to have a more polite attitude
toward the class and teachers in my country and we keep the class on
time. I'm used to those customs so sometimes I make a mistake--Giryun
In Comoros, kids go to French school starting when they are 5 years old. However,
most of them start Koranic school two years before taking the regular educational
program, which lasts 13 years, from elementary school to high school. The school
discipline tends to be relaxed and both the sexes mix, not following the strict and rigid
Islamic influence, maybe because of the multiple different origins of the population.
Teachers are not so strict as sometimes in Koranic schools, and students usually keep
friendly relationships with their teachers. I especially remember one teacher who has
become the first widely-known writer in Comoros and with whom I went dancing in
clubs many times when I was finishing my high school.--Ali
In my native country, the children must go to school. We have public and private
schools. It takes 12 years to finish elementary and high school in my country. In
public school, elementary and high school is free. However, in the private
schools, you have to pay your tuition fee. We start to go to school in the month
of June and go until March. We have ten months of school Monday through
Friday, but Saturday and Sunday all the schools are closed. The class begins at
7:00 and goes until 11:30 AM. Then afternoon is from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. You
should wear your uniform. If you don't wear your uniform, the teacher doesn't
want you to come to school or else you have to pay 20 pesos. The money is
used for school improvements. After you finish elementary and high school, you
don't have to take a test. When you get into college you must take an NCEE
(National College Entrance Examination). For taking a vocational course, there's

Education
no need to take an exam.--Maribeth
In my native country, we can educate ourselves in different ways, and it is

free. Like my strict parents who I like very much, the schools are strict
too. We have had women and men teachers. I remember my school had
one special teacher. She was a math teacher, and very very strict. I love
her and I always remember her. She told us to study hard and build our
future.--Roza
In my native country, I finished the university courses after sixteen years. Elementary
school was six years, middle and high school six years, and university four years. In
public school the study fee was very cheap and private schools were very expensive.
Recently, elementary school was made mandatory for all children. In most village
areas, some families need their children to work on the farm to earn money, so they
lose their education and become educationally blind, but in the big cities such as
Shanghai, Kwangchow, and Peking, most children have complete education and even
go to the U.S. universities to study. In China middle school, high school, or college,
you must take a test. If you don't pass the test, you won't get into the next school. In
middle or high school, the study method is the teacher is teaching and the students are
listening. Sometimes if you have a question, they allow you to ask it. In the university,
the students read books and gather to discuss them.--Tony
When I came to San Francisco, I started to study in City College. At the same
time my daughter also started to go to kindergarten. I found the education is
much different from my native country. Here the teachers teach the students
through different activities which are from life, so the students are very
interested in studying and it also develops the student's thinking and creativity,
but there is only a little homework. In my native country, the students have a lot
of homework from the first grade. The homework takes them a lot of time and
they don't have time to play. They feel studying is a very hard job for them and
they are afraid of studying sometimes. I like the education here. If the homework
were a little more, that might be much better.--Emily

Education
In Russia it is mandatory for children to go to elementary and middle

schools, and it is mostly free. If you want to improve your knowledge, you
should go to high school, but it is voluntary. Middle school children learn
many interesting and also difficult subjects like math, native and foreign
literature, geography, physics, chemistry, history, biology etc. It takes a lot
of time to study, especially at high school. After you finish high school you
will be examined for all the disciplines you studied. We have a lot of
universities in Russia and they are very good and mostly free. If you
graduated high school and you want to be a student of a university, you
must pass the difficult exams. Nowadays, many young people wish to
study at the universities but they don't have money for living and they are
forced to find a job instead of getting an education.--Irina
When I was in elementary school, my class had 40 students, and I had a man teacher
for about 4 years. Now, my son is in 3rd grade. His class has only 20 students, and
they change class every year. Lunch time is different, too. We didn't have a snacktime
and we had to have a school lunch every day. My son brings his own lunch from
home, but they can have a school lunch if they want to. I think from my experience that
American teachers are more friendly than Japanese teachers.--Miho
In my country, we have three kinds of schools, public, Catholic, and private. The
Catholic and private schools cost money, but the public schools are free. In my
country we have to come to school Monday to Friday. The time goes from 8:00
AM to 1 or 2 PM depending on the day, and we have ten months of class and
two months of vacation. The differences between my country and this country is
that when the teacher enters the class, the students have to get up. Another
difference is when the teacher asks you something, you have to get up.--Cristina

Families
My family lives in Tokyo, Japan. My husband's family's lived in San Francisco for 30
years. They are from Taiwan. 130 people came to our wedding party, about 70 were
family members. It's a big number. I'm very lucky and happy because they are very
friendly and kind. When I started to live in San Francisco, many nieces and aunts
called me. We went shopping, played cards, and cooked. Also, they invited me to
American and Chinese culture parties (Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, etc.) Most
daughters-in-law have negative feelings, but my mother-in-law is nice. I give 95 points
to her. She speaks Japanese very well, and loves my son very much. She is nice to us
in everything. A long time ago, women stayed home and only a few women worked as
a nurse or something. Now, there are not many housewives, but husbands don't help
with housework. I think small children need their mother to stay home and take care of
them until they are 3 years old, if they can.--Ako
I saw a news report on TV two weeks ago about a woman who hit a boy on the
street who was assumed to be her grandson. People were looking for her in
order to arrest her. It was strange to me. As I grew up, when I did something
wrong, I was spanked by my parents. I thought that if children did something
wrong or made a big mistake if they knew before doing that, the parents should
make them know they are incorrect. In this country, the parents don't use
punishment like spanking. But in my country they sometimes hit their kids.
However, it is not the result of being angry at their wrong actions. As you know,
it is the way that their children grow into good human beings. When I was
spanked while I was young, I didn't like my parents and was afraid of them. Now
I don't think the same as when I was young. I think it's not important whether
parents hit children or use other ways as discipline. The important thing is
showing to their children that their parents always love them. And it is up to the
parents.--Eun Sook
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Families
I don't have any children right now, but I can imagine how serious a step it
is to take care of children and work. My mother worked at four part-time
jobs at a time and took care of us. She has four daughters. Two are older
and my twin sister and I are the youngest. It was a very difficult time for
her to raise us. She was alone, but we never needed something;
everything we wanted she bought for us. I'm very proud of my mother and
appreciate her for all the love she gave to us. I can't be like my mother.
That is why it's complicated for me to have a baby and work at the same
time. Maybe later I'll be ready for that. Our life isn't easy. Most important
is the help from your spouse or relatives in your family. If you're together,
you can do much more in your life.--Julia
In my native country, the mother-in-law always helps the daughters or sons to take
care of the children and they also live together, but in the USA, the mother-in-law
doesn't like to help you. They don't want to spend the time with their grandchildren. I
have a friend who told me she has a bad mother-in-law. They always argue with each
other and her mother-in-law also likes to shout at her children. She hates her mother-
in-law so much. I do too because I know her mother-in-law is very lazy.--Joanne
Family is the basis for all society. Family is reliable in a state when all of them
live well. I think the family in the USA is more reliable than in my native country.
My family is not so big. It's my wife, son and daughter-in-law. They all live in San
Francisco. My relatives live in my native country, Germany, and Israel. The first
one to come to San Francisco was my brother with his family. The Russian
community and my relatives who lived here didn't help me. When I lived in my
native country we all worked outside. My wife had one child. The care
arrangements for my child were kindergarten and parents. For a long time I lived
with my wife's parents. My mother-in-law was very good. She didn't interfere in
my family. The American family is different than the Russian family. The
Russian wife has children, cooks more, likes to sit at home and is very polite to
her husband. Most Russian families are very good.--Iosif
In my native country, Japan, working women have been increasing

recently. However, when women decide to get married, employers want
them to stop working or cut down their salary. Almost none of the
husbands help with chores. Of course, it depends on the personality.
Typical old-style Japanese husbands don't even come close to the
kitchen, but some young husbands cook dinner for themselves.--Mizuho

Families
I arrived in San Francisco last Wednesday. Before, I just stayed for 5 weeks in
California last summer. I'm not sure that's enough to make a comparison betwen
French and American cultures. The only idea that I have about American life comes
from the TV...sorry. But my first impression is that the French and the American
society have the same ideas about liberty and the protection of the citizen and the
equality between men and women. The only thing that I know at this time is that the
Americans are busier than the French and they have less time for their children (in
comparison to the French).--Fleur
Laws in this country are very different from my country. In my country, a

husband hitting his wife is okay, or parents spanking or hitting children. Even
teachers spanking students is okay Some husbands help with chores. As for
mothers-in-law in my country, some are good and some are bad but 80% are
bad. I don't have a mother-in-law. She died before I got married. Anyway, I like
the laws in this country.--Thip
I have a big family. I was the first in my family to come to the U.S. with my
two daughters. In my country, nobody has a babysitter. When a woman
has a baby, she should stay home for one year and the government will
pay her to raise the baby. All the family members help to raise children. In
my country, 70% of people like to live together with older parents. In my
country, parents should spank their children a little bit to raise them the
good way and in my country the children have good respect for their
parents, not like here. If it happens here, the children will call the police. (I
don't like it.)--Roza
In my native country, most women need to work like men. When they work every day,
they almost always send their children to preschool, but if they live with their parents or
parents-in-law, it is an exception. In the U.S. most American families like a small style.
They don't like to live with their parents, so the children must be sent to the preschool
or have a babysitter take care of them. However, for the Asians or the new residents,
the old men or old women usually take care of their grandsons and granddaughters,
take them to school and pick them up and take them home. That way they can help
their son or daughter save a lot of money. In America, most seniors can get SSI every
month . They can get $600 or more so they don't need their son or daughter to give
them any money.

Families
We have a big family. There were nine sisters in the family. Our parents and
some of my sisters are back home in the Phillipines. I'm the first who came to
the U.S. through my husband, and he helped me to settle here with his family.
I'm lucky because all of my in-laws here are very nice to me. In my country, a
husband and wife are together for better or worse. They help each other with
household chores and other things. When the woman works and has small
children, they have to be with their grandparents, aunts, or in-laws. After work
you need to pick them up and when you get paid you have to give them
something for groceries or a little money for taking care of the kids. However, it's
not necessary to give them something. Actually, there's a big difference with
families in my country because even if you are an adult and you are not married
you could stay with your parents. When you are newlyweds, you could live with
your in-laws too in the beginning, only until you are settled down. Sometimes
parents should spank their children if they are hard-headed and don't want to
listen to their parents. That is the way to discipline their kids.--Maribeth
I have two children. My younger son is 3 years old. I am not working, but
some women are working. They have some small children. I think it is
very hard for women, because they work in the daytime and come home
and work at home too. In Japan, men my father's age didn't help with
housework, but now some women are working so men help their wives. I
think this is good!!--Miho
I had a very smart and intelligent mother-in-law. She passed away when she was 92,
but until the end of her life, she liked life. She read a lot of newspapers and books and
told us about interesting things that she read while we were working. She was
interested in everything that happened in Russia and all the world. She had her own
opinions about different things and events. She was an amazing woman!--Lyudmila
I had a big family in Beijing China, father, mother, sister, and many relatives.
Now, I have a medium-sized family, my husband and I, two kids and my mother-
in-law. In China, most young couples live with their parents. I think that is a good
idea, because their parents stay at home. They may take good care of their kids.
On the weekend, the whole family goes to the restaurant or to the park, so the
old people will not feel lonely. Today, when I'm sitting in this classroom, I feel so
thankful that my mother-in-law is looking after my two-year-old son at home. I
hope that I will cook a good dinner for her after school--Zhao

Families
Families are not so big in Russia. They usually have one or two children.
Most women work outside the home. There are many childcare institutes,
like prekindergartens in Russia, but sometimes grandmothers take care of
children. The government's law gives rights for women to take care of
their children for three years and pays them benefits, but just a little. In
Russia, men and women have equal rights. Usually husbands help their
wives with cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc. It depends on men's
interests. Of course, most of the household work women do themselves.
It is convenient if you live within easy reach of your older parents because
it is an easy way to support each other. I had a perfect mother-in-law. She
was very helpful and cared for my daughter and me. She was also very
kind, wise, and affectionate. She passed away, but I love her very much.--
Irina
This is my opinion. I think today women are almost like men. They can do every kind of
job. Today in China the law is equal for women and men. Women also work outside
too. Some of the men have a division of labor with their wives. They reach a tacit
agreement and cooperate with each other to do household chores and take care of the
young children. But in old-fashioned times, men were allowed to have a few wives and
controlled everything. Unfortunately, some women were abused by their husbands.
They were not able to resist their husbands because women depended on their
spouses to support them. However, compared to now it is a very big change.
Everybody is equal.--Rebecca
An adult shouldn't live with his parents unless he is totally broke and risks
getting homeless. He has to make his own way by creating his financial
autonomy, renting or having his own house, and supporting a family to be very
well integrated in the society. But in our days with the successive economic
crises, parents shouldn't refuse to take care of their adult children, hoping the
economic situation will get better as soon as possible.--Ali
In my family, I have my parents and one sister, but my father has one
brother and one sister, and my mother has four sisters and one brother.
That makes me have a big family. About whether women with small
children should work, I think nowadays it is necessary that women and
men should work. In my country, the husbands usually don't help the
women doing the chores, but sometimes they work in the backyard. Men
usually do those kind of chores.--Cristina

Money
Write about Money.
One of the social problems in my country is about the lottery. Starting this year, maybe
in summer, I'm not sure, Lotto lottery tickets started to be sold. That was a sensational
event. The price is a little higher than others, but the winner of Lotto will get lots and
lots of money. In addition, if there is no winner each week, the money is rolled over to
the next week. Because of this fact, a lot of people bought Lotto tickets. Also they
made a Lotto club which buys some tickets after gathering the money each week. If
the winner is in their group, they'll divide the prize. The worst problem is that some
people get many tickets with their salary. They have only a dream about winning the
Lotto. How can their family live without their salary? So some people blame the Lotto.
There are many articles about this problem. The Lottery is not good but sometimes
needed. There is a problem because of people who cannot control themselves.--Eun
Suk
Most people always think money is the most important thing in their life. They
think they can't live without money. Although money is important to others, I
don't think so. I agree money is useful, but I think there is something more
important. For example, I think friendship, relatives, parents, and healthy love is
more important than money. If you have good health, you will earn lots of
money. By the way, although you may have plans for money, you wouldn't be
able to buy health. If you had much money but there wouldn't be any friends or
relatives to share your happiness, I think it would be sad.--Ricky
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Money
In my native country the doctors, teachers, and engineers were the lowest
paid category of employees, and speaking about money was impolite. In
the USA money is the most important thing in our life. I like to buy the
things that are necessary for me or my family if the price is reasonable to
me. In my country, like in the USA, tipping is an ordinary practice. It's a
pity, but I never found a lot of money on the street except for 1 or 5
pennies. In my country if I saw an old woman or man who was begging
on the street, I always gave them something, but on the streets of San
Francisco the homeless are usually drunks or drug addicts and I never
give them anything. If I found a lot of money on the street, I'd give it to my
daughter and grandchildren for their problems that are more important
than my own.--Lilya
The economic position of a family dictates what kinds of things they can buy and
where they go for restaurants. Rich families go in special shops. My wife and I go in
shops where all the things are not in style at this time and the prices aren't expensive.
We go to the stores that have sales, for example, Goodwill, Mervyn's, and Ross. We
bought more things in Ross. I want to buy a car and I will save money. The car costs
three to four thousand. At this time I am retired and my money is very small. I have a
checking account. I can't use it, because my account in the bank is very small. Some
day I will be rich. I play super lotto two times a week. I go to casinos in Tahoe and
Reno. If I had $50,000, I'd buy a car. I'd go to Europe, Paris, Rome and South
America. For me, it is more important to love each other than to have money.--Iosif
Actually, I love to look for bargains, but not all purchases. I like to look for
clothing which is on sale. Although I like to look for bargains, I never check the
prices at different stores because it makes me exhausted. Some of my friends
like to go window-shopping, and they like to discuss the style, the price,
everything they see. But I hate window-shopping. I think it is meaningless. It just
makes me bored.--Kay

Money
I always liked to dress stylishly, but not with expensive things. We have
never lived in a grand style. Some of my clothing I knitted by myself and
brought to San Francisco. I liked going window-shopping and gazing at
different elegant clothing, decorations, and jewelry. If I have leisure time
and am in good shape I like going window-shopping downtown or on
Union Street. Sometimes we (my close friend and I) allow ourselves to
drink a cup of coffee in a French coffee shop on Union Street. There are a
lot of nice boutiques, jewelry stores and so on. But in reality, I like buying
different clothing (especially blouses and skirts) in Goodwill on Fillmore, in
Ross, and sometimes in Loehmann's (on sale) downtown. I usually check
the prices at different stores before I decide to buy something. We live
modestly. We have a checking account with City Bank. My husband uses
an ATM card, but I prefer paying cash because I'm very absent-minded
and afraid of losing my card. In spring we were in Las Vegas for two days.
My husband is an excited "gambler" and he won $30 and we went to a
Venetian restaurant. If someone gave me $50,000, I'd buy a new car and
different gifts for our grandsons and friends.--Berta
In my native country, Japan, we don't have a tipping habit. When I go to a restaurant

and eat something, I pay the cost of the meal and tax (5%) but I don't leave a tip. We
always pay money at the cash register near the exit in Japan. I worry about somebody
taking money on a table when I leave money on a table here. Do such incidents
happen in the United States?--Mizuho
When I go shopping, I will look for bargains. I check the prices at different stores
before I decide to buy something. If something is very expensive, I don't buy it,
and if something is on special, I'll try to buy some if the cost isn't over $5. I like
to buy anything second-hand. My idea is for a car. I don't like window-shopping.
In my country we never have tipping. The service is part of the job. I have a
checking account because it is a safe way to pay money. I have found $10 on
the street. I never give money to the homeless because they have a lot of ways
to find a job. I think saving some money is more important so I can buy a
house.--Huan Ping

Money
I like shopping. I go once in a while. I don't check the prices too much. If I
have enough money I buy whatever I want. I save money for occasions to
buy special gifts for my husband. I don't like to buy or sell second-hand. I
give my used clothes to my sisters. I have four. I have a checking account
but I don't use it because I use cash. I'll try to get a credit card. I need it if
I want to buy something very important to me. Once a year I go to Las
Vegas for fun and a litle gambling. I win one time, I lose another time. If
somebody gave me $50,000 I'd try to buy a house or buy a business. In
my opinion love is more important. In my country, we give tips in
restaurants but not in coffee shops.--Sania
Money is an interesting topic to talk about. When you don't have money, you can't do
anything that you like. But in America, if you don't have money but you have a job, you
can get many credit cards. And also if you have good credit, the credit union will
approve you. When you have a credit card it is very convenient to buy things, but you
have to be on time when you pay the money to the credit card companies. If you don't
do that they will tell about your credit record to the credit union. Then you will have bad
credit. One more thing is when you have bad credit, you can't apply for a credit card
again because they won't grant your request. If you want to buy a new car or a house,
there will be a problem. Your credit record also is kept five to seven years. When I go
shopping, if I want to buy some expensive things like a big electrical appliance (TV,
refrigerator) or furniture, I will check the prices at different stores before I decide to buy
it. Usually I'd like to wait for them to be on sale because here the stores will have big
sales especially on holidays. That can be the best way to save some money. As for
food, I like to shop at the convenient supermarket that is near my home. They are also
not so expensive. When I want some household things I like to go to Cosco and
Target. If I have free time I like to go window-shopping. I prefer to go to Macy's.--
Rebecca
I like shopping if I have enough money. Before I buy something special or

expensive, I like looking around and checking prices. Usually I save my school
money and later I buy some presents for my family and friends. Also I like to go
to a restaurant and try different kinds of food. We can afford to eat at the
restaurant on the weekend, because the prices are not high and there is a very
high quality of food and service.--Julia

Money
In my country, China, we don't have tipping and tax, but tipping is very
important in America. When we go to a restaurant to eat, we give a 15%
tip. In some very expensive places with very nice service we give a 20%
tip. I like to gamble very much. We went to Las Vegas and Reno this
year. We watched the show and went shopping. I bought some clothes in
Las Vegas. We had a nice dinner. Of course we gambled. We usually
lose money but we think it is worth it because we had fun and spent a
wonderful time. We enjoy it very much. If someone gave me $50,000, I
would buy more stock I didn't make any money from stock because the
stock market was very bad in 2000. I lost lots of money, but I still like it
very much. Stock trading is very exciting. I feel fascinated.--Cindy
Money is very important to me. If someone gave me $50,000, it would be a good

blessing for me as a kidney transplant recipient. I'd keep it in the bank. First, I don't
have a job. I couldn't work at this time because recently I had a kidney transplant. This
money would really help me a lot for my medication. I'm taking different kinds of
medication and it's too expensive for me. It is very difficult for me because I'll be taking
this medication for the rest of my life. It would be very helpful for me if someone gave
me some money. How lucky I would be. What I can say is money is very important for
me. If there's no money for me I couldn't live because the medication that I'vve been
taking is for my kidney rejection. I need this for my whole life.--Maribeth
When we go to the restaurant in San Francisco to eat some food or go to the

barber shop to have a haircut, while we pay the bill we also give a tip, usually
about 10-15%, sometimes maybe more. But in my native country, before 1990,
if you gave a tip the waiter or waitress didn't like it because they thought you
insulted them, like giving money to the homeless. But recently, all has changed.
The waiter or waitress is very interested in tips because it is part of their wages.
I thought giving tips encourages good service. If the restarant service was very
bad you could give just a very little tip. If it is good service, you would like to give
more and more.--Tony
When I go shopping, sometimes I look for bargains at different stores

before I decide to buy something, and I try to buy the cheap one. Tipping
in San Francisco and in my country are completely different. In my
country 15 years ago people used to give tips, but nowadays they don't
do it any more. Personally, my family and I always give tips when we go
to a restaurant, or sometimes we give money when we see homeless
people.--Cristina

Money
Unfortunately, money plays a very important part in people's lives. People are thinking
a lot about how to make money and less about how to make our earth cleaner, more
peaceful and safer. I believe the Kingdom of God will be in our planet in the future.
There will be no money at all and people will enjoy themselves and love each other.
But now I have to earn money and then spend it for living expenses. I like nice goods
and delicious food. I can't afford to buy expensive things, so I like to buy good-looking
ones, but usually look for bargains. There is one interesting fact in my life: money
avoids me. I have never found any money on the street, just pennies, and I've never
won in a game of chance, but God has done enougth for me. I am interested in a lot of
things and I have what I need.--Irina
I like to check the prices at different stores before I buy. I've never saved money
to buy something. I'm a money spender. I don't like to buy second-hand things.
I've never found money on the street. Sometimes I give money to homeless
people. That makes me feel good and I pray to God, "Please God, just keep me
healthy to work for a little money to survive and help my relatives in my country
who need money for emergencies."--Roza

Leisure Time
In my native country, it's hard to take a long vacation--even a honeymoon. I think our
average for honeymoon vacations is seven days. In my case it was ten days, but I
wanted to travel more.
When I was small, my parents had a full-time job so we didn't take long vacations.
Usually we stayed in a hotel for two nights during my summer holiday. My memory of
summer holiday when I was a child was that I could watch TV with my siblings as long
as possible, because at that time my parents had to work and we stayed at home
without our parents. Almost always in the morning, we went swimming at the school's
pool by ourselves. I was glad to watch TV a lot, but it was also boring.--Mizuho
My leisure time right now when I live in S.F. is very different from Thailand
because in S.F. I spend time studying English and working all day long, so I
have little leisure time on the weekend to relax. In Thailand I didn't have to study
and my job was as a salesperson, so I had a lot of leisure time during the day. I
used to go shopping, travel, and do something that I wanted to do. I think
American people have more free time than in my country because it is a very
different economy. Thai people like to spend free time at the department store
shopping and relaxing. They don't go to the park like American people because
the weather is too hot.--Cherry
I want to talk about my free time. Actually, I don't have any free time
because when I wake up in the morning, my job is starting. First my
daughter gets ready for school. After I drop her off at school, I come back
home. I take my backpack and then I come to my school. I'm used to
coming to school every day, but now I don't have time to do my
homework. I should help my daughters with their homework and I have to
clean the house and cook. I am waiting for the summer. Probably this
summer I am going to go to Turkey. I hope I'll have free time there.--
Aysegul
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Leisure Time
Free Time!? It's different in my country. I used to get a vacation twice a year for a
month and visit my parents in another city. For little money, I could even rent a big
apartment in the best area of the city, but now in San Francisco I'm used to working
every day, almost all day (or a reasonable amount) and it's hard to take a long
vacation. I had to change my food habits because I don't get enough time to eat and
relax like in my country. People here are used to eating fast food most of the days and
sometimes they eat in their cars. That's terrible for me. However, I'm here and it's
beautiful living in San Francisco.--Crispin
In my free time I like to do homework. When I finish my homework sometimes I

read an English book. I enjoy watching English news on TV. Every day I watch
Russian news and movies on TV. Sometimes I go to the parks and other
famous places. I want to spend my free time with my friends too. In my native
country I liked to work in my garden which was on the beach by the Black Sea.--
David
I'm a young man and I enjoy playing. In my free time I usually go to play
basketball, football, and so on. I could play with my friends and make
friendships. It's so interesting. In my leisure time, I also love to play
games on the computer and Internet. There is plenty of information which
is very interesting and useful, and I can make friends on ICQ. On my
vacation, I always have a trip with my family or my friends. We can take
many beautiful pictures and we have a good trip.--Wei Ji
I don't have much leisure time, because I have two sons and the younger one is three
years old. If I have time, I'll feed him something to eat or drink. When he watches TV, I
just have time to look at a newspaper, but no longer, so I just look at the main news.
When they go to sleep, that time is my leisure time. I watch TV for one or two hours.
Then I can read some books. When I lived in my native country, I had more leisure
time. I went dancing, exercised, swam, played tennis, rode a bicycle, and went
shopping, but I didn't study English. Now I study English, although I don't have more
leisure time than when I lived in my native country.--Cynthia
I used to go bowling with my friends in my free time. We practiced a lot because

we joined a lot of games. But now, I like to read, because it's good for my ESL
studies. I don't go bowling very often now because I need to pay the most
attention to my studies.--Ryan

Leisure Time
Even though I was a professional musician a long time ago, I have to tell
you music can help you relax and feel comfortable whether you are
playing or enjoying the music. Another suggestion for your good health is
you should eat more greens and do a little bit of exercise every day. The
greens include fruits and vegetables, because the greens can keep your
skin healthy and exercise can give you good blood circulation. I hope
everyone has a good mood and healthy body.--Sanka
I'm used to reading books and listening to music. I used to like traveling, so I went to
places like Peking, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc. In my country, many people
spend their time in the restaurant or doing something that they want to do. Here, many
Americans like to travel to spend their time. When I took a vacation to Tokyo, I used to
eat sushi and tempura a lot. It tasted very delicious. I went to some temples in Kyoto. It
is very beautiful.--Jackie
In my country I was used to getting up at 5 am because I had to work, but I

wasn't used to cooking. Now things are different. I get up later and I'm not
working, but I have to cook and I don't like it. Well, at first I got angry but now I'm
getting used to cooking.--Jorge

Food and Food Customs
How Are Food and Food Customs in the U.S. the Same or
Different From Food and Food Customs in Your Native
Country?
When I came to the U.S.A., I was inspired: a new country, new life, new people, new
language and new food. When we went to Safeway for the first time, we were
shocked. There was a huge assortment of groceries, a wide choice of dairy products,
and seafood. In Russia we bought the same groceries, but at the store there was not
such a big assortment.
In America we were confused because we couldn't read. We bought bread--it was

salty, sweet and sour. I like salty herring. I bought some in Safeway, but it was sweet.
In Russia, there are not too many restaurants. That's why people cook and eat at
home. I like fish. I never ate trout before in Russia. In America I can buy and cook it
when I want--Roza
I came from Thailand and most Thai food is spicy, but we also have normal food
too. I don't know why we always eat spicy food, but it's good for our health
because it has a lot of herbs. It burns calories so it doesn't make you fat like
American food. We never use cheese, butter or something like that to cook it.
When we're eating in restaurants, we order the food and eat it together at the
same time and also we must share food, drink, and everything on the table. We
don't eat separately like American people because it is very impolite in
Thailand.--Cherry
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Different people who live in different countries have different customs for
eating food. In our country, people who live in the north like to eat hot
spicy food. People who live in the south like to eat sautéed food. Usually
they go shopping for food in the supermarket, and they like to eat in
restaurants on holidays or weekends. The people like to drink Chinese
tea after eating food with fat, because Chinese tea can prevent the fat
from attacking the stomach. After people eat junk food in McDonald's,
they should drink more tea.--Sanka
In my native country, Hong Kong, China, we shop for food in both supermarkets and
outdoor markets, same as here. However, the quantity of products you can buy at the
supermarket here is so huge in comparison to Hong Kong. In San Francisco, we can
even find the same kind of Chinese traditional food in Chinatown, but it has already
changed to American style. Moreover, when we go to restaurants in Hong Kong, we
have to pay a 10% service charge that is written on the menu. However, here
restaurant service charges are included in the tip. Also, after I arrived here, that is the
first time for me to try Mexican food.--Alex
In my native country, the biggest difference is how people shop for food. People
shop for food in a place which we call "Market"! It's not the same as the
supermarket here--vegetables are fresh; fish are alive, and chickens also! But of
course, there are no cows, but beef. You can cut the price down also, so don't
believe the first price that people give you.--Ryan
I came from Latvia. In my country, they don't grow artichokes, avocados,

asparagus, or papayas because it's cold. I saw them here for the first
time. But in my country we have very good sour and sweet apples and
plums. We don't have so many people from other places and we don't
have Asian restaurants. The waiters in restaurants have uniforms. Only
men work as waiters. The restaurants have only European and Latvian
food. In restaurants, they play music and people can dance.--Leya
In my country, Russia, a dinner was very different from the USA. When we had dinner,
it included four items; a salad, a soup, a main dish and a dessert. Now I make the
dinner more easily. I prepare only the soup or meat or fish and some salad.
Sometimes I use frozen food for dinner. It's very easy to prepare. In S.F. I fell in love
with Chinese food and sometimes I go to a Chinese restaurant. I saw many interesting
vegetables in Chinese grocery stores but I don't know how to use them. Chinese
people buy a lot of different vegetables. I think it's very good for their health.--Lyudmila

I like Japanese food because it is famous for being fresh. Most of them are
made with fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood. I like to have sashimi and
sushi with wasabi. That makes the taste delicious. Americans always use forks
and knives to have a meal in an outdoor restaurant. They like to eat
hamburgers, pizza and sandwiches but we always eat rice, congee, and
noodles. I couldn't find sweet potato dumplings here. Tortillas were a new kind
of food for me. People always buy their food in indoor markets every day in
Hong Kong. I usually have Chinese food twice a week because I like fried taro
dumplings and scallop dumplings very much.--Jasmine
I want to talk about the differences in eating customs between my native

country and America. In my country, a few people go to a restaurant to
have dinner. They order some food and a big bowl of soup. Everyone has
a small bowl to share, and everyone will have a small bowl of rice. If you
want to, there is a plate to share the food. In America, they go out with
their friends. When they order, they have their own soup, and their own
entrée. When they eat, they use a fork, but in my native country everyone
uses chopsticks.--Simon
In my country, Japan, we have a habit of saying words just before we start to eat
meals and finish our meals. If we come over to a friend's house for dinner, we do the
same things. If I don't say these words, the other people would think that I'm not a well-
behaved person. I keep saying to my kids, "You have to say 'Itadakimasu' and
'Gochisousama' before you start your meals and finish your meals." Sometimes I crave
sushi. I bought a package of sushi at a supermarket but it wasn't good. I wanted to
say, "It's not sushi." And then I really wanted to have sushi so my husband and I ate
out at a Japanese restaurant. Some salmon sushi was delicious, but the other ones
weren't. I was disappointed so I decided to not eat sushi until I go back to Japan.--
Mizuho
My eating customs have changed very much since I arrived in America. In my

country I didn't like to eat vegetables and now I have to, because most of the
American food has vegetables, but most of the food has more fat too. here in
America I tried Chinese food, because I'd never eaten it before, and it was
delicious. Another thing that changed was that now I go to restaurants twice a
week, something that I didn't do in Argentina. I don't have a favorite restaurant. I
go everywhere trying new food.--Alicia

In Brazil we are used to eating three times during the day, but it is very
different from here. We aren't used to eating heavy things for breakfast.
We don't eat eggs and bacon. We eat bread and milk, coffee or juice and
sometimes cheesebread or cakes. Then about 12:00 we have lunch and
most of the time all the family sits together and eats rice, beans,
vegetables, meat, etc. At night some have dinner, but in my house we
didn't use to have dinner. We preferred to eat a snack, a light snack
because rice, potatoes, beans and the other things we use for lunch may
make us fat, so we only had a cup of milk and biscuits. For me it was
difficult because Americans eat for their breakfast what we used to eat for
lunch, and for their lunch what we used to have for our breakfast.--Gleicy
Any

What Surprised You When You First Came to San Francisco?
I've been living here one and one-half years. When I came to the San Francisco
airport, I felt so cold because that time was summertime in Korea. That time was really
hot, but that time here was foggy and windy. And I was also surprised when I came to
my apartment. I thought it wasn't an apartment. In Korea we had an apartment that
was big and tall. I lived in a seventh-floor apartment. Also I was surprised when I went
downtown. I took a bus and I spent only 20 minutes. Before I came here I thought San
Francisco was a big city, but I was wrong. It is not a big city. It's a small city.--Bong Hee
When I came to San Francisco, the first thing that surprised me was the different
people who live here from China, Russia, etc. The second thing was the houses.
I don't like it, because they are too close to each other and you can hear
everything. Another thing which surprised me was that the American people are
very friendly. I don't like one thing about San Francisco--It is too expensive!--
Alicia
I have lived in San Francisco three years and two months. When I first
came to San Francisco, I was surprised by the climate and weather. I
expected more dry air. I knew a lot of things about San Francisco before I
came because I read books and saw movies about this city. I like living in
San Francisco very much because it is a beautiful city. --Irina
When I came to S. F., I was surprised that there are very big and beautiful buildings
downtown. On the other side there are a lot of small houses that are very close to each
other. I was surprised how buses can ride up and down hills. I was afraid when I rode
buses.--Lyudmila
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I have been living in San Francisco for six years. When I first came to S. F. I
was surprised because this famous city is so old. The houses were built many
years ago. It looked old and the food was simple. But now it is okay. I like living
in S.F. I like the weather and the people. The interesting thing is when I first
came to S.F. I didn't think houses were expensive. They were cheaper than
where I lived in Hong Kong. But now it is more expensive here than Hong
Kong.--Cynthia
I've lived in San Francisco three and a half years. When I first came to S.
F. a big surprise for me was the weather. Green grass and trees in every
season, flowers and plants. I'm happy that I live in San Francisco.--Boris
When I arrived in San Francisco with my family, we were surprised that there were a
lot of hills. We rented a car from the airport to the hotel. That was the first time for my
husband to drive in the USA. Even though he was scared, we went to Lombard Street.
My kids, who sat in the back seat, were screaming for joy when we went down from
the top. We'd never seen such a hill.--Mizuho
I was surprised about Muni and streetcars. In my country, the buses have a
button. When I want to get off, I can push the button, but I couldn't find the
button. I couldn't get off.--Do Youn
When I came to S.F., I was surprised that this city is dirty, and there are
many homeless people on the street. I knew that some food was cheaper
and the house rental was very expensive before I came.--Jackie
When I came here something special surprised me--cars. All the cars here, or most of
them, are new, fancy, and modern. In my country, Cuba, cars are old, from the '60's
and '70's, so it was very different for me.--Daimel
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Spring Vacation
What Did You Do During Spring Vacation?
We had a vacation last week, so I really wanted to get up late but I couldn't because
my son needed to go to school every day at the same time. However, after he went to
school, I enjoyed my free time. I did exercises and watched some videos and so on.
Nevertheless, it was not so different from my usual days. Only one thing was so
different--I didn't study English like when I go to school. --Kyung Hee
When I go to college, I haven't a lot of time for my dog, but on vacation I can
walk the dog a long time. My dog always has her own opinion. If I want to turn to
the left, she wants to turn to the right. If I want to move, she wants to stay, and
so on. I never let my dog find food on the street because she wants it very
much! She goes to the street for food hunting! But she never eats all the
beautiful food at home! My dog knows I don't like it, so she goes to a mystery
place to eat. I worry about losing my dog. I run and call her name, but my dog
keeps silent when she eats the food she finds. After a long time she returns to
me.
However, on vacation I decided to put a new leash with a flashlight on her. Now
I always see my dog and she cannot eat or find food on the street. When the
dog goes to a mystery place I always find it very quickly! My dog doeesn't
understand what happened. She doesn't know how I can find her! She always
thinks she is smarter than me. On my vacation my dog got a big surprise--I am
smarter than my dog! --Irina
Last week was spring vacation. I was happy at that time, because I used
some time to clean up my yard and tune up my old piano. I was just a
little lazy and I didn't study any English. I think it is only because it was
vacation. One thing I missed was my ballroom dance class. Anyway, I
feel good because I finished something and relaxed during that week. --
Sanka
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Spring Vacation
Last week was boring, because I like to go to school. Also, it is necessary for me to
learn more and more English under this situation. I think this is my situation. In San
Francisco, it is very difficult to find a job with a high unemployment rate and the war
bettween the USA and Iraq. I can only go to school during the day because I have no
job. When someone asks me about my vacation schedule, I always say it is studying
at home. Last week I only stayed home and did some housework and homework and
nothing special. I even like my class at John Adams Campus more than vacation. --
Henry
Last Sunday morning my family left my home and headed to Sequoia National
Park, but we were really worried about the weather. That day it was raining too
much. We drove carefully and when we got there the park ranger told us to just
drive and pass the park. We went to the park, but it was snowing too much, so
we couldn't go inside anymore. My kids were very excited, but my husband and
I were disappointed. We went inside the visitor center and read some history,
and then I drove on a strange road. It was very narrow and winding. We slept in
a hotel near Death Valley.
The next day we went to Death Valley. Before I read the Death Valley history, so
I was really interested in Death Valley. We saw many places and I was really
surprised because one place called "Devil's Golf Course" looked like it was
covered with snow, but it was salt. Some people took photographs and we did
too. My son wanted to keep some salty rock but it was way too hard to take off.
And do you know why it is named "Death Valley?" If you want to go there I
suggest you don't go there in the summertime. That area's summer temperature
averages over 120°F. It is too hot. --Bong Hee
My children and I stayed home almost all last week. We tried to make
some special Chinese food that I learned from my mother-in-law last year.
My older daughter helped me and my little daughter watched us. At first,
we did it unsuccessfully. We tried again and again. Finally, we
succeeded. We were very happy when we ate it. We thought it was
especially delicious. --Jackie
Last week it was spring vacation. There was no school. I was very happy because I
could sleep late and relax. I did some housework, organized the things in the garage,
and cleaned my house because my sons put things anywhere. On Friday I went to
Home Depot. I chose the plants that I wanted. I bought some flowers. On Saturday I
brought my sons to Stonestown for Easter. I saw a lot of children in line in order to take
a picture with the Easter Bunny. The children were very happy. We took some pictures
too. That week I had a good time. --Sylvia

Spring Vacation
Last week, I went to Japantown with my family to go to see the Cherry Blossom
Festival. We ate some Japanese food there and bought some stuff. Also we saw
the Japanese dance show there.
During the rest of the week I did nothing special, just as usual went to see some
sites on the Internet, played PC games and talked on the phone with my Hong
Kong friends. However, I did have more time to be concerned about the news of
the disease in Hong Kong. The disease is terrible. I am quite worried about my
friends in Hong Kong these days. --Alex
My spring vacation last week was a good time for me because I had time
to sleep longer and then some days I had free time to meet my friends.
We had a good time together such as going to a movie, shopping, and
eating out. On the weekend I spent my free time watching the news and
some movie programs because that is helpful for listening to English for
me. --Cherry
Last week I intended to read an English book at home, but I didn't finish it. When I
began to read the book, in my head I just thought that maybe i should cook something
first, and then I had to clean house. When I was done with it all, it was time to pick up
the children, so I didn't do anything special during the week. That's why I like school
days because on school days I can study English and I do the same things at home. --
Cynthia
Last week my friend and I went to the park. It was a new park for me. Its name's
Candlestick. It's located very far from my house so I took the #29 bus and rode
a long time. This park is very interesting because it's wild enough and located
on the Bay. We were there on Sunday. This was Easter and a lot of people
celebrated there. They had a big party and it was fun. Some people were
fishing. I saw some man catch a big fish. We had a good time and fun. I like to
observe other people and their traditions. --Lyudmila

Pets
How Are People and Pets in This Country the Same or Different
From People and Pets in Your Native Country?
People in the U.S. like pets. People in my country--Ukraine--like pets too. It's the
same. But the difference is in taking care of pets. In the U.S. it's easier, because here
there is a lot of special food for them, many things for cleaning, toys for playing, things
for comfortable living for pets. There are many pet clinics for the treatment of pets, and
a lot of medicine for pets. There are even hotels where pets can live during your
vacation. In Ukraine, all of it was a problem. Old people don't have money for taking
care of pets. Many pets in my native country don't have an owner.--Alla
Before in our country, the government didn't allow us to feed dogs and any pets.
We only could feed cats and fish, but now we can have dogs. We can feed
many pets, such as turtles, monkeys, rabbits, and so on. In our country now so
many people don't want to have a baby, they like to feed dogs. But in our
country, nobody feeds the homeless cats and dogs. In America, it made me
surprised. Many people feed and take care of homeless cats. They like pets and
they don't eat pets. It's the law.--Louise
In my country, people have cats and dogs too. But I don't like cats and
dogs, because it is too much trouble with them. In my country people
have very small apartments. My friend had a collie. She was very smart
and very beautiful, but she had very long hair and the floor was dirty.--
Leya
In my country, Argentina, all the people have at least one pet. This can be a bird, a
dog, or a cat. I had a neighbor who had seven cats, because she liked them too much.
Another neighbor had one dog and two birds. I really think this story could have
happened in Argentina, because all the dogs or cats are in the street, and they can run
in ahead of you, and enter your house.--Alicia
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Pets
Dogs in this country are a little different than in my native country. First, I have to
tell you that I lived in the countryside, not in the city. In this country dogs have
their own food. In my country, we don't have special food for dogs. We just feed
them rice and some kind of meat like fish or pork. In this country, when people
go out with dogs, the dog has a collar with a leash. In my country, people don't
do that. People do that when they want the dog to stay near a door and watch
something.--Simon
I had a friend in my country. I knew her for a very long time. She always
loved cats and spent all her money for her own two cats and cats on the
streets. I didn't like to visit her because her cats ran over the furniture and
didn't associate with her friends. All the furniture in the home was dirty
and broken. In addition to that, the cats liked to jump on the table when
we had something to eat. My friend thought that it was normal to eat from
the same plate as cats. It was very strange for me.--Lyudmila
I think most people like dogs the most in the U.S. People often walk with their dogs in
the parks, streets, and so on. But in my native city, people like cats the most! They
look nice, cute, and they are useful--they can catch mice easily! Although people like
their pets, nobody will bring the pet to a party or a restaurant, so the story is impossible
in my native city. I had a cat before and I liked it very much also.--Ryan
Here in the U.S., it is different than in my country. In the U.S., people spend time
taking out their pets, and feeding them like a person, but in my country, people
leave the pets alone in the street, and later they come back themselves. Also, in
the U.S., when dogs poop, you have to pick it up and put it in a plastic bag. In
my country you don't have to do it. You can leave it in the street or on the
sidewalk. In my country it is normal seeing a female dog in the street with her
little dogs. Also, you can see a lot of dogs looking for food in the garbage,
because they don't have an owner. Most of them have itching and they lose
their hair and look very ugly. Sometimes people save their lives, taking them into
their house, feeding them, and giving them medicine to quit their itching. In the
U.S. it is very hard to see something like that, because it is prohibited to leave
pets in the street.--Daimel
Since I came to San Francisco, I always see people bring their dogs to a
large park to have a walk or play ball with them. In my city, Hong Kong,
people only keep their pets at home. It is rare to bring them to the park.
Most likely the pet owners just seldom bring their pets to have a walk on
the crowded streeets. Moreover, I saw people here like to have dogs with
a large size. However, in my city, tiny dogs are more popular.--Alex.

Pets
I think this country is more pet friendly than my country, Japan. If I have a pet and want
to travel with them, it's easy to get a hotel here. But in Japan, it's hard to find a hotel
with a pet. When I saw some people who had a dog in the park, they were taking care
of them like children or family. They took off the dog's leash and the dog could go
anywhere. I was surprised about it because I've never seen several dogs run around at
the park without their leash. Sometimes a dog scares my kids when the dog runs in
front of them. Most of the dogs are well-behaved, but a few aren't.--Mizuho
In America people walk with dogs. You don't need to be afraid very much of a
dog. They take it on a leash. In Russia, you need to watch for danger, because
a dog walks free. If you see a dog, you need to stop, because if you run, a dog
will run after you. Russian people like pets more than people. In Russia we had
a cat, dog, and bird at different times. I like cats. They are very friendly, and
sometimes very lazy.--Roza
I think in my country it is just like here. We love pets and are used to
spending time with them. But I heard that some American pets usually
sleep on their owner's bed, and in my country it's not very common. Some
do and some don't. Thinking about the story, I think in Brazil we'd
probably say something indirectly when the person arrived, so we would
notice that earlier. Americans are very polite and I think sometimes
they're not comfortable saying what they really want if they don't know a
person well.--Gleicy

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Student Writing

● Exercise and Sports

● Leisure Time and Vacations

● Level 3, 4 Fall, 2005

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● Exercise and Sports

● Exercise and Sports

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● Level 5 Spring, 2005

● Animals and the Environment

● Level 3, 4 Fall, 2004

● Write about jobs.

● Write about shopping.

● Write about families.

● Write about exercise and

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● Write about San Francisco.

● Write about education.

● Write about your home.

● Write about food.

● Level 6, Fall, 2004

● Write an ending to the story

● Write about jobs.

● Write about San Francisco.

● Write about education.

● Write about your home.

● Write about families.

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● Write about animals and the

● Write about leisure time.

● Level 6, Spring, 2004

● Write about San Francisco.

● Write about health and

● Write an ending to the story

● Write about a Language

● Write about food.

● Write about animals and the

● Write about your native city.

● Write about families.

● Write about jobs.

● Write about education.

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● Write about your home.

● Write about money.

● Write about leisure time.

● Write about media.

Level 6, Fall 2003

● Write about San Francisco.

● Write an ending to the story

● Write about health and

● Write about food.

● Write about animals and the

● Write about your native city.

● Write about your home.

● Write about jobs.

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● Write about education.

● Write about families.

● Write about money.

Level 6, Spring 2003

● How are food and food customs in

● What surprised you when you first

● What did you do during Spring