CHRISTMAS LESSON- WE'LL BE BACK ON 7TH JANUARY 2013

Well, yesterday we finished the year by doing several SPEAKING ACTIVITIES based on Christmas, New Year's Resolutions and a game in which they had to HUM/ DRAW/ SPEAK/ MATCH with songs and vocabulary related to the topic.

This was the result:

VICTOR'S COSTUME ;o))

                                     

HOMEWORK: WRITE A LETTER/EMAIL TO SANTA CLAUS EXPRESSING YOUR WISHES, INTENTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS and telling him what would you change in your life, if anything and why.

MON. 17TH LESSON

Yesterday we watched this video RADIOHEAD- 'JUST' and discussed about what you would do if you found somebody lying on the floor in the street and we also tried to find a theory that could explain the end of the videoclip. If you have any theory, please leave a post ; )

We then checked the exam results and did the listening again.

Finally, we did the story on the dossier p. 9 (complete the story by inserting extra sentences).

On Wednesday, we'll have the final lesson of the year. Hope to sdee you all there!!!

THE PUZZLE OF MOTIVATION

Watch this VIDEO about traditional and modern ways of motivating people. Really interesting!!
You can put subtitles on (there's an option on the bar below the video) but as you'll see they're not accurate, but they'll help you to understand the speech.

It's quite long but it's worth it!!!!

What do you think, carrots and stick system works or AUTONOMY/MASTERY/PURPOSE will change the world? I'd like to see your comments posted. Do you think it's possible to change the system? How would you do it?

MONDAY 3RD DEC LESSON + HOMEWORK

Yesterday we LISTENED first and then WATCHED this video: BLIND LUCK (we tried to guess the setting and what was happening without watching it, then we talked about what would you have done in that situation ;O)))

We then did LISTENING and READING PRACTICE.

Remember you can use ANY link on the blog to practise ALL 4 skills, but here you have some links to LISTENING EXERCISES related to:
- EDUCATION 
- ONLINE DANGERS

Finally, I gave you these 4 possible SPEAKING TOPICS:

CRIME Have you ever been robbed? Has any burglar broken into your house? What happened? What did you do? What is your opinion about the quantity of burglars that break into different houses throughout the coast? What solutions would you propose? Related to this topic, there have been many cases in which the inhabitants of the house have gone to jail for using a gun against the burglar. What is your opinion on this topic? Is it fair? Is it understandable?

HEALTHY FOOD • Health and diet: an obsession nowadays or a real problem? • According to you, have eating habits changed? What are the reasons of this change? • Do you follow any type of diet? What is your opinion on diets? • Do you cook at home? Do you think that cooking programmes on TV are useful? Why? Why not?

EDUCATION • Were you a good student when you were younger? • What is your opinion on our education system? What would you do to improve it? • What were your favourite subjects? Why? Which ones did you hate? Why? • Do you regret not having studied any specific degree? • Teenagers nowadays and teenagers 15 years ago. Is there any change?

HABITS • Talk about how your habits have changed related to any of these things:                - Sleeping habits                -  Free time activities                -  Sport and exercise              -  Work or study

You can try to prepare a MONOLOGUE and...record yourselves and send me the recording for correction, if you feel like ;O)))

Apart from that, as next week we're not having lessons but just the oral interviews, try to do these exercises to review grammar and vocabulary:
- Workbook: p. 23+24+25
- Dossier- Progress Test 3 
- Dossier p. 11 (Unit 4C- The Island) WRITING- you can send it to me by email, if you prefer. 

REMEMBER: 1ST ASSESSMENT TEST THIS WEDNESDAY 5TH DEC. 

TAKE IT EASY AND BE PUNCTUAL!!! 

TALES OF PASSION

As this week we have talked about books among which was The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, I thought it would be interesting for you to listen to her talking about her stories and about passion.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TALK!!!

WED. 28TH NOV. LESSON

Yesterday we corrected homework reviewing DEFINING/NON-DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES (dossier p. 35+ student's p. 37- ex 7).

For further explanation and practise, CLICK HERE.

We also talked about 'HOW TO' books trying to imagine us in those situations and we finished using DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES playing TABOO GAME.

HOMEWORK is the revision of Unit 3 (p. 31- ex. 1- 5). I'l send you the solutions by email.

Have a nice weekend!!!!!

REMEMBER, THE WRITTEN EXAM IS NEXT WEDNESDAY. BE PUNCTUAL!!!!!

MON. 26TH NOV. LESSON + HOMEWORK FOR WED.

Yesterday we reviewed the use of CONNECTORS (p. 132) doing ex. 5 p. 39 (Unit 4C)

HERE YOU'VE GOT A SUMMARY:

BECAUSE HOWEVER WHEREAS AS                + CLAUSE SINCE EVEN THOUGH NEVERTHELESS

APART FROM DESPITE = IN SPITE OF             INSTEAD OF                - NOUN DUE TO                 +     - ING BECAUSE OF               - THE FACT THAT…….

Then, we moved onto Unit 4B (p. 36+37) and did the SPEAKING (ex. 1) using vocabulary related to BOOKS AND READING (p. 132), READING (ex. 3) and GRAMMAR (ex. 4)- and we explained the use of DEFINING/ NON-DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES.

We then did the ex. on the dossier of copies p. 10

HOMEWORK FOR WEDNESDAY:
- STUDENT'S BOOK ex. 7- p. 37 (relative clauses)
- DOSSIER p. 35(vocabulary + relative clauses)

LET'S FINISH WITH A SONG FOR YOU: CLICK THE PICTURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

WED. 21ST NOV. LESSON + HOMEWORK

We talked about the text on p. 32 'Restorative Justice' and then did the ROLE PLAY (ex. 1) and listened to 2 astonishing stories (ex. 3- p. 33).

With this we finished the topic of crime and punishment.

Then, we moved forward to Unit 4C (p. 38+39) and we read part of the text on p. 38, we watched a video about APRIL FOOL'S DAY (really difficult to understand!!!) and went to p. 132 to read the explanation about CONNECTING WORDS. We then checked the meaning of the connectors (ex. 7- p. 39) and finally did the SPEAKING ACTIVITY (p. 122).

HOMEWORK: SPEAKING + WRITING- go to p. 122 (Unit 4C) and record yourself speaking about any of the points there and/or do a writing as well. In both situations, speaking and writing, try to use connecting words to link your ideas. You can use different ideas/topics and do a speaking and a different writing, as you wish. UP TO YOU!!!!!

PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE!!!!
IT'S JUST 3 LESSONS BEFORE THE 1ST ASSESSMENT TESTS!!!!!

MON. 19TH NOV LESSON

Yesterday we:

- Corrected Homework (dossier p.31+32) + Workbook p. 14+15+16+17+18, so we reviewed 2nd + 3rd Conditional sentences.

- We then pactised the pronunciation of the auxiliary verbs in the conditional sentences (p.27- ex.6), did the grammar exercise (ex.8) and the speaking (ex.10)

- After that, we started Unit 3C 'Identity Theft' and talked about it (p.28- ex.1) and did the Listening (p.29- ex.6) .

We also watched THIS VIDEO. 

It would be interesting if you could read the text on p. 28-29 having a look at the verbs followed by preposition ;O)))

HOMEWORK for Wednesday is to READ TEXT P. 32 and do ex. 2

MONDAY 13TH NOV LESSON AND HOMEWORK

Yesterday we reviewed CRIME VOCABULARY and learnt some new expressions (Unit 3B p. 26 + dossier p. 32-ex 1).

We predicted crime scenes (p. 26-27) and did the Listening.

Finally, we practised the use of the 3rd Conditional (speaking activities).

HOMEWORK for Wednesday: Dossier  p. 31- ex 2 + p. 32 ex. 2

HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY: We'll check Workbook p. 14+15. And now, do p.16+17+18.

FRIDAY 9TH NOV. LESSON

On Friday we reviewed and learned vocabulary related to CRIME (p. 130 student's book + dossier p. 31)

We did a Listening and discuss about TEENAGER CRIME and finally a SPEAKING activity (Who was the murdered?) ;O))

BE OPTIMISTIC!!!!

I RECOMMEND YOU TO WATCH THIS VIDEO: Welcome to Spain!!!!   

WED. 7TH LESSONS + HOMEWORK

Yesterday, we saw stress patterns (dossier p. 51) and practised them.

We then reviewed the 2ND CONDITIONAL and watched THIS VIDEO.

We did a lot of speaking practise using the 2nd cond. and finally we did a short summary of them all (Zero, 1St, 2Nd and 3rd) and then watched this video with SONGS USING CONDITIONALS.

Besides, we did the questionnaire on p. 24-25 (Unit 3A) on how honest you are and corrected ex. 4+5 (use of other words instead of IF in conditional sentences: provided, imagine, as long as, supposing, assuming...).

Finally, click HERE to listen to the song- dedicated to Pau- SOMEDAY by The Strokes to practise listening to the lyrics and filling the gaps ;O)))) It's a kind of karaoke!!! ENJOY IT!!!

Well, homework for MONDAY , is:

- Workbook p. 14+15

- WRITING: Write an informal email to a friend telling him/her how your life has changed during the past years. You can take ideas from ex. 7- p. 17 and remember to practise the structures USED TO/ BE USED TO/ GET USED TO. 

Finally, homework for TOMORROW, FRIDAY: Find the difference between MURDER /ASSASSINATION /HOMICIDE /MANSLAUGHTER 

MONDAY 5TH NOV. LESSON + HOMEWORK

We reviewed again the structures USED TO + INF/ BE USED TO + ING/ GET USED TO + ING (speaking p. 17 ex. 7).

We, then, corrected Homework (Workbook p. 13 + dossier p. 30) and we started Unit 2D (p. 22-23).
We checked the expressions to AGREE and DISAGREE (p. 129) and we did the Listening (p. 22- ex 2) and discuss about children eating habits and about topics on ex. 6.

We finally did another speaking activity in groups (Should competitive sports be compulsory in schools?) to keep practising the agreement/disagreement language.

Homework for WEDNESDAY: Read grammar 2ND CONDITIONAL P. 131 and do exercises 4+5 on p. 25.

Homework for Monday 12th Nov.: WORKBOOK P. 14+15

FINALLY, remember this Friday 9th we'll be having lessons ;O))))

WED. 31ST OCT. AND HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY 5TH NOV.

We finished Unit 2B (p. 18-19): Vocabulary ex. 1 + reading + revision of USED TO....(speaking ex.5 + 8).

We also finished Unit 2C (p. 20-21): Listening ex. 5+6 and suffixes ex. 3+4 and  p. 128. We then practised stress patterns (dossier p. 5).

Homework for Monday is revision of these units:

- WORKBOOK p. 13 (used to...)

- Dossier p. 30 Unit 2B Life is different here (used to .../ adj+prep)

- Dossier p. 51 (stress on nouns and verbs) 

Finally, we briefly talked about the origins of Halloween and you can click HERE to watch an interesting video about it.  

  

MON 29TH OCT. AND HOMEWORK FOR WED.

On Monday we started practising again the use of verbs followed by INF/GERUND (dossier p. 3) doing a SPEAKING ACTIVITY.

We then checked doubts in Workbook p. 9+10 and Progress Test 1.

Afterwards, we explained the grammar structures USED TO+INF / TO BE USED TO + GERUND / TO GET USED TO + GERUND (Unit 2B- p. 129). We practised them using SPEAKING SITUATIONS.

Finally, we also talked about TIME MANAGEMENT (Unit 2C- p. 20- Ex 2)

Homework for today, Wednesday, is VOCABULARY EXERCISE P. 18 (EX. 1): ADJECTIVES + PREPOSITIONS

Yesterday we did several SPEAKING ACTIVITIES.

Firstly, we talked about the EMBARRASSING SITUATIONS you watched in the video I posted on Monday (British sitcom OFF THE HOOK) and then you talked about your personal ones, as the one you can see in the pic jejejeje ;O))

We then talked about the pros and cons of SINGLE-SEX/CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS (text p. 14-15) and explained HOW TO PREPARE A MONOLOGUE.

We then did the Listening on p. 16 - ex 2b (Unit 1E) about EATING HABITS and also talked about your personal habits. 

HOMEWORK:

Apart from Workbook p. 9+10 and Progress Test 1 (dossier), the main taks is to PREPARE A MONOLOGUE ABOUT EATING HABITS and then RECORD YOURSELVES DOING THE MONOLOGUE.

You can use any device (computer programmes, mobile phone, webcams...) or go to this webpage VOCAROO.COM and then, send me the recording BY EMAIL. 

DON'T WRITE THE WHOLE TEXT AND RECORD YOURSELVES READING THE TEXT!!!

The idea is to prepare a scheme, a draft with ideas, vocabulary related to the topic, structures and connectors you can use and then try to talk about the topic using all these things, as if you were in class. 

REMEMBER, to use connectors to link your idea. Start with an INTRO and finish with a CONCLUSION. 

Finally, we did the pronunciation exercises on p. 15 (SILENT LETTERS) and finished with this FUNNY VIDEO ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY TO PRONOUNCE ENGLISH PROPERLY. Hope you enjoyed it!!!

See u on Monday ;O))

MON. 22ND LESSON AND HOMEWORK

Yesterday we corrected all homework (speaking activities) and we talked about LATERAL THINKING (WORKBOOK P. 8) and started Unit 1E- SINGLE-SEX OR CO-ED SCHOOLS? We did the Listening on p. 14 and I asked you to READ FOR WED. the text on p. 14-15 about an experiment some people did. 

We finished watching the first part of the Episode of the Bristish comedy OFF THE HOOK. Click HERE to watch the second part. We'll talk about it on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, also try to do:

- WORKBOOK p. 9+10 (Units 1D+1E)- we'll check doubts on Monday

- Progress Test 1 (dossier)- You also have the key, so do it and check the solutions on your own and if you have any questions let me know on Monday. 

WED. 17TH OCT LESSON AND HOMEWORK

Hello,
Yesterday we corrected ex. on p. 11 and practised the verb patterns (verbs followed by gerund or infinitve or object) doing several speaking activities (p. 116/119 student's).

We then started Unit 1D (p. 12) and talked and listen to some people taking evening lessons.

HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY:
- WORKBOOK p. 8 (Unit 1C)
- Student's Book p. 13- REVIEW
- Dossier p. 28 (vocabulary and auxiliaries)


Just to finish, WATCH THIS SONG Angel sang yesterday in class when talking about the songs of our childhood ;O)))

READ AND LISTEN

Read the Spanish newspaper EL PAIS in English.

And listen to interesting PODCASTS (you can listen and read the text later on).

INCREDIBLE STUNT

Watch the video from the BBC about this incredible stunt we talked about yesterday in class

MONDAY 15TH OCT. LESSON AND HOMEWORK FOR WED. 17TH

Yesterday, we checked the exercises in the Workbook p. 6-7 and we reviewed the vocabulary about education and the use of auxiliaries.

Then, we started Unit 1C and talked, read and listened about exams!!!!
We did exercises on p. 10+11

Homework for Wed. is to read the GRAMMAR (p.125-126) and do exercises 3b + 3c (p. 11) about verbs followed by other verbs.

LESSONS AND HOMEWORK

Hi there,
On Monday we just practised SPEAKING and yesterday we finished Unit 1B.
We checked the use of AUXILIARY VERBS, corrected exercises on p. 9 and did the Listening activity there.

For more info and practise on this:
- USE OF AUXILIARIES- explanation
- AUXILIARY VERBS- explanation and exercises
- NEITHER/SO- exercise

Click HERE to watch the video with the lyrics of the song 'LET'S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF' . We mentioned this song yesterday regarding the pronunciation of EITHER/NEITHER.
Please, try TO FIND OUT THE MEANING OF THE TITLE OF THE SONG for Monday ;O))

Finally, we did a listening about HOME SCHOOLING. You can listen to it here:
- PARENTS' OPINION
- CHILD'S OPINION

HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY:

1) WORKBOOK p. 6 + 7

2) WRITING: Write a PROS & CONS ESSAY of about 150-180 words, about 'Home schooling'.

Click HERE to read about how to write this kind of compositions.
Include: Introduction paragraph/ Body with pros and cons/ Conclusion
This kind of writing requires a FORMAL/SEMI-FORMAL register, this means that no CONTRACTIONS SHOULD BE USED.

I explained the system we'll be using with the writings:
You can send them by email or hand them to me. I will check it and underline the mistakes- if any- and I'll put any of this symbols on the left/right side:
GR- if it's a grammar mistake
SP- spelling mistake
T- tense mistake
^- if there is something missing where I put this symbol
ORDER
VOC- if the owrd you used is not correct in that context
PUNCT- commas, full stop etc...

I'll give the writing back to you, you check and correct the mistakes- if any- and give it back to me again with your corrections. I'll do a final check and give you the final correction with the solution if you didn't find it.

WED. 3RD OCT. LESSON AND HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY 8TH

Good morning,
Yesterday we started Unit 1B (p. 8-9). We did a SPEAKING ACTIVITY, we checked VOCABULARY related to EDUCATION, we did the LISTENING EXERCISES on p. 8 and talked briefly about AUXILIARIES.

Click HERE if you want to know which University in UK is the picture on p. 8 from.

HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY:

- LISTENING: Click HERE to listen to a lecturer talking about universities in UK. You have some vocabulary and comprehension exercises on the webpage as well.
Homework is to listen to the audio and send a comment to this post answering this question:

             Is the situation with regard to university education the same in your country as it is in the UK?

You can also send comment about your classmates opinions !!!


- GRAMMAR: Read the info about AUXILIARIES on p. 127 and do exercises 7 & 8 on p. 9 (student's book)

Have a nice weekend!!!

MONDAY 1ST OCTOBER LESSON

Yesterday, we finished Unit 1A- we did SPEAKING + GRAMMAR ACTIVITIES (Dossier p. 27- vocabulary revision + grammar). We reviewed the Verb System that you have on p. 126 (Student's Book) and we did ex. 5+6 on p. 7 (Student's).

Apart from that, we checked doubts in the Workbook p. 5.

See you on Wed. ;o))

WED. 29TH SEP. AND HOMEWORK FOR MONDAY 3RD OCTOBER

Hi everybody,
Yesterday we started Unit 1A and we practised SPEAKING, LISTENING and READING.

Please, do WORKBOOK p. 5 and DOSIER p. 27 (Unit 1A) for Monday. Revision of vocabulary and Verbe Tenses.

I'll send you the dosier by email during these days.

Have a nice weekend and see you on Monday

ENGLISH- THE GLOBAL LANGUAGE

Click this LINK to listen to the podcast we'll be listening in class today related to Lesson 1A.

And go to this LINK to read the script.

WELCOME!!!

Hello,

This will be our meeting point. 

I hope you find it useful and you use it during the course!