English and American English

Hi everyone,

How's your Sunday going? Here you have the usual summary after each week, plus some extra material. On Tuesday we corrected the unit on Indirect Speech -only two exercises left to correct-, and we worked with a handout about the differences between British (BrE) and American (AmE) English. We saw two different phenomena:

• Two words, same meaning: underground vs. subway
• One word, different meaning: bill exists both in AmE and BrE, but the meaning is different. 

Finally, I gave you a copy on the use of punctuation. Make sure you read it carefully at home, and, most importantly, check it if you have a doubt when writing a composition.





On Thursday we had one hour with Leah, where we talked about going to the doctor's -below you have the handout she worked with, in case you don't have a copy-. Surfing the Internet I've found this listening about making an appointment at the doctor's. Click here to listen to it and do a multiple choice exercise. If you prefer completing gaps, try this exercise instead. Finally, I leave you with the transcription and a vocabulary exercise.
Going to the doctor's

After that, we did a listening about differences in tipping in the US and the UK and we saw some pronunciation features of both accents -click here for a revision of the aspects we commented on in class-. Sometimes, it might be a bit difficult to calculate a 15% tip in your head, but I found this easy trick to do it relatively quickly (click on the image to enlarge it):

Does any of you have any better ideas?

In 4ºA, Leonor and Mª Carmen did their presentations about eating disorders and vegetarians, respectively. Thanks both of you for your effort.

For homework, I'd like you to do exercises 1, 4 and 8 on pages 36 an 37.

Using monolingual and collocations dictionaries

When we corrected the homework last week, some people "complained" that the dictionary wasn't useful because it gave the same translation for different words, e.g. "gain"/"win" - "ganar".

That happened because you were using a bilingual dictionary. In a monolingual dictionary, you have a lot more information, such as the contexts where each word is used. I've been surfing the Internet and I've found the online version of the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (monolingual), so you don't have to buy it. Please, start using it little by little.

I've also found the Oxford Collocations Dictionary, which you'll find extremely, extremely useful!! To have an idea of what in consists of, here you have part of the entry for the word "weight" (click on the image to enlarge it):

As you can see, it gives you a list of the adjectives, verbs and prepositions that collocate with that word. Use this dictionary and you'll be able to do the exercises in the book much more quickly, and your writing will also considerably improve.

Collocations dictionary; tipping in the US; Guy Fawkes

Hello everyone!

First of all, I'm awfully sorry I haven't updated the blog before, but I've been up to my eyes with work during the whole weekend. At any rate, better late than never! :)

On Tuesday we corrected the text on pages 34 and 35, where we learnt some vocabulary and idioms (make a big deal of sth, come to terms with sth, etc). After that, in groups we worked on a handout about collocations and how to use a collocations dictionary. We saw a few examples, and you looked up quite a few words, so I hope it was useful for you!





Remember that you can find the Oxford Collocations Dictionary online at this website. When I corrected your compositions I found some examples where you could use it. See if you can improve the following structures!

• The film was throughly wonderful
• The plot was utterly entertaining
• They were trying to hatch a plan

Please, feel free to post a comment with your suggested answers.

After that, we talked about restaurants and we "visited" 6 of the most famous restaurants in London. After listening to three people discussing where to go (you can find it in ex 2, p. 48), you also discussed it with your partner using some expressions to agree and disagree. Here you have the handout, in case you don't have a copy:

Restaurants

On Tuesday I gave you back the first version of your corrected compositions and then we corrected a few exercises in the book. In 4º CAL we also had the pleasure to listen to three classmates talking about different aspects related to food; thanks Ramón, Mª Ángeles and Alicia. In 4º A we did the listening about safe drinking water in Africa, and we'll do the presentations on Tuesday.

Finally, we had one hour with Leah, who talked about vegetarians (I didn't know there were so many different types!).

For homework, please complete the handout about indirect speech and remember that the deadline to give me the final version of your composition is Thursday.

To end with, here I leave you with a video about Guy Fawkes, which is celebrated on the 5th of November in England.  Do you know anything about this celebration? Well, this video will explain everything!

Week 8

Hello everyone!

To start with, sorry I haven't published this before, but I've been extremely busy with work during the weekend. Anyway, better late than never!

On Tuesday I gave you back the final version of your first composition and I also gave you the table that I use for the correction. If you don't have it, please photocopy it from a classmate or ask me in the next class.

Then we had a look at the two photocopies I gave you before the bank holiday and we learnt/revised some vocabulary related to sports and weddings.


After that, we continued talking about jobs and we talked about Gary, a taxi driver; Melissa, a vet; and Nigel, a pilot. We learnt some things they had to do and some things they didn't have to do in their jobs.

On Thursday we had one hour with Leah and we talked about the festivity of Guy Fawkes. Click here to read a little bit more about the history of this celebration and do some on-line exercises. Below you have a video of the fireworks after the celebration of Guy Fawkes:



After that, we corrected the homework on page 26 and we learnt the differences between present simple and present continuous. Apart from knowing if the action is happening now (continuous) or is a routine/habit (simple), remember that we also have to know if the verb is an activity or a state verb.

Finally, here you have a picture of midtown Manhattan (New York). As you can see, taxi drivers (and people in general!) don't have it very difficult to find places! (Click on the image to enlarge it)

For homework, remember you have to do exercises 4, 6 and 8 on pages 28 and 29.

See you in a bit! :)

Guy Fawkes

Hello everyone!

To start with, sorry I haven't published this before, but I've been extremely busy with work during the weekend. Anyway, better late than never!

On Tuesday I gave you back the final version of your first composition and I also gave you the table that I use for the correction. If you don't have it, please photocopy it from a classmate or ask me in the next class.

Then we had a look at the two photocopies I gave you before the bank holiday and we learnt/revised some vocabulary related to sports and weddings.





After that, we continued talking about jobs and we talked about Gary, a taxi driver; Melissa, a vet; and Nigel, a pilot. We learnt some things they had to do and some things they didn't have to do in their jobs.

On Thursday we had one hour with Leah and we talked about the festivity of Guy Fawkes. Click here to read a little bit more about the history of this celebration and do some on-line exercises. Below you have a video of the fireworks after the celebration of Guy Fawkes:



After that, we corrected the homework on page 26 and we learnt the differences between present simple and present continuous. Apart from knowing if the action is happening now (continuous) or is a routine/habit (simple), remember that we also have to know if the verb is an activity or a state verb.

Finally, here you have a picture of midtown Manhattan (New York). As you can see, taxi drivers (and people in general!) don't have it very difficult to find places! (Click on the image to enlarge it)

For homework, remember you have to do exercises 4, 6 and 8 on pages 28 and 29.

See you in a bit! :)

Week 8

Hello everyone!

To start with, sorry I haven't published this before, but I've been extremely busy with work during the weekend. Anyway, better late than never!

On Tuesday I gave you back the final version of your first composition and I also gave you the table that I use for the correction. If you don't have it, please photocopy it from a classmate or ask me in the next class.

Then we had a look at the two photocopies I gave you before the bank holiday and we learnt/revised some vocabulary related to sports and weddings.


After that, we continued talking about jobs and we talked about Gary, a taxi driver; Melissa, a vet; and Nigel, a pilot. We learnt some things they had to do and some things they didn't have to do in their jobs.

On Thursday we had one hour with Leah and we talked about the festivity of Guy Fawkes. Click here to read a little bit more about the history of this celebration and do some on-line exercises. Below you have a video of the fireworks after the celebration of Guy Fawkes:



After that, we corrected the homework on page 26 and we learnt the differences between present simple and present continuous. Apart from knowing if the action is happening now (continuous) or is a routine/habit (simple), remember that we also have to know if the verb is an activity or a state verb.

Finally, here you have a picture of midtown Manhattan (New York). As you can see, taxi drivers (and people in general!) don't have it very difficult to find places! (Click on the image to enlarge it)

For homework, remember you have to do exercises 4, 6 and 8 on pages 28 and 29.

See you in a bit! :)

A better way to learn phrasal verbs

Hi everyone,

These days we've been working with phrasal verbs (or multi-word verbs). Below I post a mind-map that can help you remember them. The phrasal verbs thereby included are somewhat easy, but what I want you to see is a possible organisation for the new phrasal verbs you learn. Remember that the way you organise your vocabulary is as important as the time you spend studying it.

See you tomorrow in class!

The Statue of Liberty Anniversary - 125 years

Lady Liberty, whose full name is “Liberty Enlightening the World,” was a gift from France to the United States on October 28th 1886, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Independence.

"The statue has evolved in meaning since she first graced our shores 125 years ago," said David Luchsinger, superintendent of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, in a release. “She began as a symbol of friendship between France and the United States, evolved into a symbol of our great country, and is known today as an international symbol of freedom for people everywhere. This coming Friday is an opportunity to celebrate her complete legacy.”

The Statue of Liberty was of special importance to all the immigrants sailing to the New World during the end of the 19th century. The European ships would arrive in Ellis Island, only a few miles away from the Statue of Liberty. After several months of voyage in extremely poor conditions, with people falling ill and dying around you, the sight of the Statue of Liberty made everyone jump of joy, for it meant the journey was over and a whole world of opportunities was open before your eyes.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty meant leaving behind the famine and the political and religious persecution in Europe; in short, it meant the start of a new life.

(A boy was screaming with joy, "wake up, wake up you can see the Statue of Liberty - you can see the Statue of Liberty"). Picture of a letter by a witness to people arriving at Ellis Island. Picture taken at Liberty Island Museum.

On the day of Lady Liberty's 125th Anniversary, the CNN decided to interview several immigrants and recall the passage from Europe to the New World. Click here to watch the video and read the item of news. Extremely chilling!!

To celebrate the anniversary, five webcams have been installed around its famous torch, giving people around the world outstanding views previously off-limits to even the statue’s in-person visitors. The cameras will stream live video footage 24-hours a day, seven days a week of vistas of the New York City skyline, New York Harbor, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Liberty Island and the Freedom Tower.

Here you have a video explaining the installation of the cameras. And... wait for it! You can see the live web cameras clicking here! Absolutely amazing!

Seeing the Statue of Liberty from the ferry sends a shiver down one's spine, especially thinking about the feelings, dreams and hopes of the people that travelled for months and months yearning for a better life. The sight of the Lady Liberty meant their effort had been worth it, and their suffering would for once and for all come to an end.

Week 7

Hello!

How's your weekend? Here you have a summary of last week. Because of the bank holiday we only had one day of class, but I think we did lots of things! :)

First of all, we had one hour with Leah and you did an activity about Richard Branson, a business magnate who owns the Virgin Group. Click on his name if you want to learn something else about him!

Then we started Unit 3 with some vocabulary related to jobs (make sure you revise it - page 137). You talked in pairs and you decided which characteristics were the most important for you (I'd like friendly colleagues, flexible working hours, on-the-job training, etc.).

Do you remember that at the end of Unit 2 we talked about love and relationships? Surfing the Internet I have found this listening about a girl going on her first date. Click here to listen to it; listen to it twice and try to answer the questions. Then click here for the transcription, and the explanation of some new vocabulary.

For homework, remember to finish the two photocopies I gave you before the long weekend/bank holiday. We'll have a quick look at them on Monday.

See you tomorrow!

First date

Hello!

How's your weekend? Here you have a summary of last week. Because of the bank holiday we only had one day of class, but I think we did lots of things! :)

First of all, we had one hour with Leah and you did an activity about Richard Branson, a business magnate who owns the Virgin Group. Click on his name if you want to learn something else about him!





Then we started Unit 3 with some vocabulary related to jobs (make sure you revise it - page 137). You talked in pairs and you decided which characteristics were the most important for you (I'd like friendly colleagues, flexible working hours, on-the-job training, etc.).

Do you remember that at the end of Unit 2 we talked about love and relationships? Surfing the Internet I have found this listening about a girl going on her first date. Click here to listen to it; listen to it twice and try to answer the questions. Then click here for the transcription, and the explanation of some new vocabulary.

For homework, remember to finish the two photocopies I gave you before the long weekend/bank holiday. We'll have a quick look at them on Monday.

See you tomorrow!

Week 7

Hello!

How's your weekend? Here you have a summary of last week. Because of the bank holiday we only had one day of class, but I think we did lots of things! :)

First of all, we had one hour with Leah and you did an activity about Richard Branson, a business magnate who owns the Virgin Group. Click on his name if you want to learn something else about him!

Then we started Unit 3 with some vocabulary related to jobs (make sure you revise it - page 137). You talked in pairs and you decided which characteristics were the most important for you (I'd like friendly colleagues, flexible working hours, on-the-job training, etc.).

Do you remember that at the end of Unit 2 we talked about love and relationships? Surfing the Internet I have found this listening about a girl going on her first date. Click here to listen to it; listen to it twice and try to answer the questions. Then click here for the transcription, and the explanation of some new vocabulary.

For homework, remember to finish the two photocopies I gave you before the long weekend/bank holiday. We'll have a quick look at them on Monday.

See you tomorrow!

Halloween; language learning strategies; vocabulary for films

Good afternoon everyone!

Here you have a summary of last week. Due to the bank holiday we didn't have class on Tuesday, but we still had two sessions: Thursday and Friday - thanks to all the people that came on Friday; I truly appreciate your effort.

On Thursday we had an hour with Leah and we watched the Halloween video form National Geographic (this time it worked!!). I post it here in case you want to watch it again.

Here you also have the activities with the answer key. If you didn't come to class, make sure you do them at home.

Halloween

Then we discussed the concept of "being healthy" and we saw that different people have different interpretations of what it means to be healthy. Finally, 4º CAL did a listening about safe drinking water in Africa (4ºA will do it on Tuesday), and with 4ºA we did an activity about the differences between make and do and vocabulary related to health (4ºCAL will do in on Tuesday).

On Friday we did an interesting activity about the strategies you use to learn English. For homework, I asked you to prepare a document listing all the tips you would give to a person who wants to improve his/her English. I'll put all your ideas together and send them to you in one single document. I'm sure you can learn a lot from it! :)

Language Learning Strategies

Then we saw some useful adjectives you can use when describing a film (or a book!). Make sure you use some of them in your composition!

With 4ºA we had time to correct exercises 6 and 7 on page 17. We'll correct that on Tuesday with 4º CAL.

For homework, apart from the document with your strategies, please also complete exercises 2 and 6 on pages 34 and 35. AND, if you have a collocations dictionary at home, please bring it to class on Tuesday. We're going to do an activity with it to learn how to use it :)

See you in two days!

Hello everyone,

Here you have the two documents I was commenting on in class.

The first one is about Leah's extra tutoring sessions. Make sure you write the days for Basic Level 2 in your notebook and try to make an effort to come. It's an opportunity to talk for one hour in English, so make the most of it.

Leah’s extra tutoring sessions


This second document is about the Christmas Postcard Contest at the EOI in Roquetas de Mar. Go ahead and participate! :)

Christmas Postcard Contest

Two documents

Hello everyone,

Here you have the two documents I was commenting on in class.

The first one is about Leah's extra tutoring sessions. Make sure you write the days for Basic Level 2 in your notebook and try to make an effort to come. It's an opportunity to talk for one hour in English, so make the most of it.

Leah’s extra tutoring sessions





This second document is about the Christmas Postcard Contest at the EOI in Roquetas de Mar. Go ahead and participate! :)

Christmas Postcard Contest

Hello everyone,

Here you have the two documents I was commenting on in class.

The first one is about Leah's extra tutoring sessions. Make sure you write the days for Basic Level 2 in your notebook and try to make an effort to come. It's an opportunity to talk for one hour in English, so make the most of it.

Leah’s extra tutoring sessions


This second document is about the Christmas Postcard Contest at the EOI in Roquetas de Mar. Go ahead and participate! :)

Christmas Postcard Contest