Notetaking exercises

[Tom]

Hello

The following question is only for the moderators ,not for the students of English!

Whenever I come across some new and beautiful word or idiom of English, I make it a point to note it down in my diary-- by the way, which is very dear to me! And then, off and on, I keep on taking the beauties of English and applying them in my spoken and written English(at least I try). I would love to know if you people also do the notetaking excerise? Do you also keep a diary? How often is that you really think you should note something or something is worth noting down?

Tom

[Mister Micawber]

.
I keep a notebook at hand, entitled 'Word Play'. I have separate pages for homonyms, tongue-twisters, odd expressions, irregular formations, pronunciation anomalies, Janglish expressions, etc-- all in reference to what my students say or ask about, or to what arises in our class conversations. It receives entries and is also used as a reference or sourcebook just about every day.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[spencer]

Hi,
My mother was right,she always wanted me to become a moderator (or a priest)
It''s too late, I'll never be alowed to answer this question.

Spencer

[Conchita]

As an eternal student of English, I’m not sure your question is intended for me too, but I’ll answer it anyway.

Like you, I have a habit of writing down all the funny, unusual and interesting words, phrases, sentences, idioms, etc. I bump into. As a result, scores of sheets, notebooks, scribbling pads, bits of paper and computer files keep piling up.

Not only is it good exercise, it’s something I have always enjoyed doing (I also used to copy out everything neatly!). Finally, sorting notes according to categories, as Mister Micawber does (and as I don’t always do myself) is highly advisable.

[Pamela]

Even though I'm not a moderator I want to add some comments. Yes, Tom, writing down different word combinations, idioms contributes to enhancing the level of English and this way of teaching is also very effective . Even when I open a dictionary for five minutes I manage to find so many excellent expressions that can make my language more eloquent. And I used to scribble furiously day on end various twisters, aphorisms

[spencer]

Conchita,
welcome back!
Where've you been?
It's just an old saying, some time ago the priest was the most respected person in the neighbourhood.
Just like teachers.
Pulling a match between moderators and priests was one of the bad jokes I usually make in order to be witty.
Spencer

How was your holiday?

[Conchita]

[FangFang]

Hi,Spencer:
I wonder where your senses of homour come from

Ok, Since I am not a moderator I just talk to myself. I have many several notebooks. Small and handy. When I read new words I write them down . In fact, everything intereting and helpful . But my problem is , I have a bad habit. Sometimes I can't remember where I have put those notebooks , so I have to use several notebooks.