DREAMING IN ENGLISH. Are you dreaming in English yet?

What do you expect from 2012? any new year´s resolutions?

2012-01-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day is a time of new beginnings, so people often make new year's resolutions---promises or goals they hope to accomplish during the coming year. There are many different types of resolutions, for example: quit smoking, study more, lose weight, improve your social relationships, etc. Most of the times we break these promises but we year after year we love to make plans and to ask for new things to the new year. Are you one of these people? Have you got any New Year´s resolutions?

Dreaming of a white christmas....

2011-12-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

DO YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS? DO YOU SPEND TIME DECORATING YOUR HOUSE?

Listen to this video about Christmas in the White House and then answer the following questions.

- How is the White House Decorated?
- What´s the special thing about this year´s decorations? Sum up what you hear.

What is the Christmas spirit about? Listen to Barack Obama talking about the meaning of Christmas with these children in a primary school. Can you summarize what is the most important thing about Christmas for him? What is he trying to teach to these children? What does Christmas mean for you?

Christmas is a time when children hope to receive presents from their parents, other family, and friends, but not only children like presents.....What Christmas gifts would you like to receive?

Listen to these girls asking Santa for Xmas presents and try to answer the questions.

http://esl-lab.com/santa/santard1.htm

Sometimes it is very difficult to give a present to somebody and that this person likes it. Choosing a present is a difficult task. Pay attention to what happens to Sheldon in Big Bang Theory. Penny gives him a present for Xmas but his reaction is not the expected one.... Watch the video and answer the following questions.

- What kind of present does she give to him?

- Why is Sheldon so excited with the present?

- What´s Penny`s reaction?

XMAS GAMES
Santa and Amy have a bag full of presents, but who are they for? Help Santa and Amy deliver the children's presents in time for Christmas. Follow the instructions and play the game.http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/fun-with-english/whose-present

http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/fun-with-english/run-santa-run

Learn things about Santa´s village in the North Pole. Move around the different houses and follow the clues.http://www.northpole.com/

To know everything you wanted to know about Christmas, click on this link and try to do this interactive book. It has lots of interesting vocabulary, videos, listengings, songs, etc.

Try to do the following pages:

- Vocabulary ( pages 4, 5 , 10)
- Listening: Christmas Eve ( pages 11, 12)
- Christmas dinner in UK (pages 14, 15) and in the USA ( pages 18, 19)
- What´s the Boxing Day?. Find out in pages 22, 23
- Listen to a Christmas Carol. Pages 24, 25
http://chagall-col.spip.ac-rouen.fr/spip.php?article23

AMERICAN POETRY.

2011-11-24T03:58:00.000-08:00

We are going to focus on 2 important contemporary American poets: ROBERT FROST and CARL SANDBURG.

ROBERT FROST

Robert Lee Frost (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963) He is highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech.His work frequently employed settings from rural life in New England in the early twentieth century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes. He is considered one of the founders of the modern American poetry because he expressed in a simple philosophical way different feelings about every day life. He was awarded several Pulitzer Prizes.

Here you´ve go 2 popular poems by him.
In this year you will have your first contact with English Literature and we will work with different writers, poets.
We are going to work with pronunciation, rhythm and try to anlayse a little bit the following poems.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Do you understand the poem? Here we have some reflections about nature.

- What is nature for you?

- What feelings does the poet have about nature? It seems that he id drawn by an hipnotic spell but Is he positive or negative about Nature?

- Here we don´t have the typcial Romantic version of some romantic poets

- Do you understand the last stanza? What did he want to do? What prevents him from that?

THE ROAD LESS TAKEN

Some times we have to make choices in life. It is not possible that one can choose one way and decide to turn back for the other. All the choices we make are going to affect our future.
It seems both roads are "eaqually laying", they are pretty much the same, that´s why the decision sometimes is so difficult to make... because depending on what you choose you may have regrets...

CARL AUGUST SANDBURG
(January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) was a writer and editor, best known for his poetry. He won three Pulitzer Prizes, two for his poetry and another for a biography of Abraham Lincoln. He was called Carl Sandburg "indubitably an American in every pulse-beat."

This poem may be a bit difficult to understand because it has lots of new vocabulary for you. So let´s focus on general ideas and once more on rhythm and pronunciation.
Have you got a favourite city? Could your write a poem or a short text about what your city , or your favourite place makes you feel?
This poem is an Ode to Chicago, city where the poet lived, and it shows the industrial moment the city was going through. It shows some social realism. The poem also celebrates his pride in his nation, and its people

To finish here you a have a shorter poem by Sandburg too.
What is Happiness about? What is happiness for you?

HAPPINESS

I ASKED the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell
     me what is happiness.
And I went to famous executives who boss the work of
     thousands of men.
They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though
     I was trying to fool with them
And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along
     the Desplaines river
And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with
     their women and children and a keg of beer and an
     accordion

CELEBRITIES!!!

2011-11-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

DO YOU LIKE CELEBRITIES?

A celebrity, also referred to as a celeb in popular culture, is a person who has a prominent profile and commands a great degree of public fascination and influence in day-to-day media. The term is synonomous with wealth.

Celebrities are primarily individuals who work as film and television actors and actresses, athletes, musicians, and a host other media-based professions, particularly within the spheres of the sports and entertainment (e.g. music, film, television, radio, modelling, literature etc.).

Sometimes people become celebrities due to media attention for their extravagant lifestyle or wealth; for their connection to a famous person or even because they appear in reality shows and staff like that.

Some people would do everything to get 5 minutes of fame. In our present society, the rise or the celebrity culture is a fact and the mass media have contributed to that. Everyone who appears on the media becomes famous and admirable. Do you agree with this?

VOICETHREAD.

Choose 2 people from the mosaic of faces you have in the post and talk about them. Make sure you mention the following ideas:
- Why you have chosen them.
- Talk about their lives, what they have done. Have they a real reason to be famous? Are all celebrities the same? What´s your opinion about the new famous people that come out of reality shows and similar programmes?
- Describe their personalities (use some of the adjectives learnt in class)
- Do you admire them? Why? Why not?
- Do you think that celebrities have a responsibility to uphold? Do you think they have to be models for the rest of us?
- ARe you fascinated by famous people? Would you like to be famous?.Advantages and disadvantages.
- Do you really admire a celebrity that is not in these pictures you have in the post? Who? Why?

Have you ever met famous people? Listen to these people who are at a party and answer the questions.

Do the listening and the post-listening exercise.Section IV. Here you have

4 different situations and you are asked how you would start a conversation and how you might introduce yourself. Choose 2 of the 4 options and write a brief comment.

http://www.esl-lab.com/partyinvitations/partyinvitationsrd1.htm

Would you like to play a game? Think of a celebrity and have a go with the machine. it will find out who you are thinking of.
http://en.akinator.com/

THIS IS HALLOWEEN!!!

2011-10-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN IS BETWEEN FALL AND WINTER, BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. iT IS A TIME OF SUPERSTITIONS AND CELETRATIONS!!!
This period of time is full of fear for some people...haha... but for others it is one of the best times of the year!!!! Some people carve pumpkins and others try to pretend they are an evil creatures ( ghosts, werewolves, vampires, etc)
Find out more things about the origin of Halloween watching this video. Answer the following questions.
1. Where does Halloween come from?
2. Why were bonfires made?
3. Why did the Pope Gregory III established the day of All Hallows Day?
4. How was the name the Celts used for their celebration changed
5. When did this festivity become important in America? Why
6. What are the origins of Trick or Treating?

Everything you wanted to know about the pumpkin but you were afraid to ask.....Watch this presentation and improve your knowledge about why this vegetable is important in Halloween

Is trick or treating safe? Watch this video and try to answer the following questions. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3037031270819547010&hl=en##

1. What are the best choices when choosing costumes for children?
2. What materials do they recommed to avoid when in contact with candles, fire?
3. Why masks can be dangerous? what do they recommend instead?
4. What is advisable to do when you go trick or treating?
5. To be visible to drivers, what do we have to wear?
6. What should we do with the candies and toys the children get?

Do this spooky quiz about halloween vocabulary. If you don´t know the work ask for a clue
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/webcast/071101_halloween/quiz.shtml

Do you want to play a game? Here you have the HALLOWEEN GAME. Should you talk to strangers? Should you go trick or treating only to houses that are well lit? Play this game and find out which is safe for you
http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/play.html

Have you seen Nightmare before Christmas?
Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King, ruler of Halloween town, happens upon Christmastown, and decides to change Christmas into another Halloween. He kidnaps Santa Claus, then takes it upon himself to deliver some alternative gifts to unsuspecting children. He wants to turn Christmas into another Halloween!!

Watch the video.
- Can you describe this Hallowen town? What things happen in there?
- What typical stereotypes about Halloween can yo see there?
- What kind of frightenig creatures live there?

Do you feel spooked when you see Michael Jackson´s Thriller?
This song is a Halloween favourite. Pay attention to the wonderful video and then discuss in groups which evil creatures appear in the video and what do they do. What would yo do if you saw them?

In the song there are lots of verbs and words related to horror which help to create a gloomy and frightening atmosphere. Try to identify them as well

do you like Edgar Allan Poe? He was a very important American writer and poet. He is famous because of his wonderful horror stories. Here you have a popular poem by him. It is a poem about love and death. Many critics say it is based on his own life.... Do you like it?

THINK DIFFERENT!!!

2011-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Watch this video which is a tribute to Steve Jobs. Here he talks about 3 important stories in his life.
This video summarizes a little bit his philosophy in life. What do you think of it?

His character helped define a generation and change the world. He is co-founder of the fairytale company we now know as Apple Computers. And he is the visionary of the personal computers world that led the entire computer hardware and software industry to restructure itself.

He was a witty man and very good at creating catchy phrases. He always thought that there was no shortcut to excellence, you have to love what you do and do always what you love. He said that it was wonderful to have a "beginner´s mind" because you can face life "full of curiosity, wonder, amazement"
He was a businessman-philosopher, and the philosophy he embraced was the fundamental cause of his remarkable productivity, success, and happiness.

What was important to Jobs was not making money per se, but the process of creation. “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful . . . that’s what matters to me.”

http://

Try to answer the following questions:
1.What are the 3 stories about?
2. Why do you think his mother decided to put him up for adoption?
3.When he started to work for APPLE, how many employees did the company have? and What did they create?
4. How old was he when all this happened?
5. He was fired by the company, but in the end he thought that his was a good thing for him. Why?
6. Later he returned to apple. There was a change in the company. In what sense?
7. Why death is so important to help us in our lives?

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED!!

2011-09-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

A friends is someone who knows everything about you and.....still likes you. Do you agree?

Listen to these words related to friendship and learn some new words, then try to do the suggested exercises. http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-friendship.htm

Who are Jason´s neighbours? Listen and drag the pictures to the right floor. Then write a summary of what Jason says about them.
http://www.elllo.org/nine/neighbors.htm

VOICETHREAD.
- What do friends mean to you?
- What makes a friend a best friend?
- Is it easy for you to make friends?
- Do you stay in touch with all of the friends you’ve made
- Is there a difference in friendship between your male friends and female friends?
- Are friends sometimes more important than family?
-- Do you agree with the expression “a friend in need is a friend in deed”?
- How similar are you to your friends?
- At which stages of life is it easier to make friends?
- Are your childhood friends those you have strongest bonds with?
- How often do you fall out with your friends?
- Which characteristics do you like in a friend? Which ones don´t you like?
Do your recording about this topic. Use the above questions to help you

Friends. Do you like the series? Here you have one of the most famous examples of friendship on TV. 6 friends sharing their problems, some of them living together, etc.
Watch the following chapter and try to answer the following questions. The chapter is callled "The one where Ross moves in".
1. Which characters interact in this episode?
2. What´s the relation between them? How would you describe them? you can use some of the adjectives seen about personality and appearance.
3. What kind of conflicts do they have and how do the solve them? In which sense do they help each other?
4. Are they real friends? Do you like their sense of friendship?
http://tvflicks.info/friends-season-5-episode-7-the-one-where-ross-moves-in/

2011-09-19T09:16:00.001-07:00

Public education is under threat, we have been subject to tremendous cuts.
Education is a right. It is not a business that you can change whenever you want!
Hard times for public education in Madrid. The regional governement is doing lots of budget cuts giving priority to private education and schools connected to the catholic church.
As a result public school teachers are feeling really bad about it because they see that all their effort, enthusiasm and commitment is being looked down on. With the new regulations there are fewer teachers, more students per class and less attention to those students with special educative needs.
Despite all that we have to be strong against all these attaccks and try not to feel too demoralized because there´s always somebody who defends us and public education, which is a balloon full of energy for those who believe in equal opportunities for everyone and in an education free of segregation.
Listen to this speech given by Matt Damon in a Save Our Schools MArch DC in summer.
'>http://

DESCRIPTIONS

2011-05-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

Describe 4 of the following pictures. Choose the oneS you like and try to explain why you have chosen them. Describe them as accurately as possible taking into account different ideas such as colours, impressions, feelings, personality, physical characteristics, what they describe, connections with important issues such as ONG´s, hunger, poverty, sports, happiness, innocence, etc. (Whatever you can think of)
Try to use your imagination and make your description as creative and appealing as possible.

You will be given some useful tips in class to make the description easier. Good luck

WISH YOU WERE HERE

2011-04-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever longed for something? Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true... As the Dalai Lama said "not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stoke of luck". Do you agree?
Let´s be a bit philosophical and think about our wishes and regrets and practise your grammar.
First listen to Pink Floyd and their famous song "Wish you were here" and complete the lyrics.
http://

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN ___________
HEAVEN FROM _____
BLUE SKIES FROM ______
CAN YO TELL A GrEEN _____ FROM A COLD _______ RAIL?
A SMILE FROM A VEIL?
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN _____?
DID THEY GET YOU TO TRADE YOUR HEROES FOR ________?
HOT _________ FOR TREES?
HOT AIR FOR A COOL _________?
AND COLD COMFORT FOR CHANGE?
DID YOU ___________A WALK ON PART INF THE _____,
FOR A LEAD ROLE IN A ________?
HOW I _______, HOW I ______YOU ______ HERE´
WE´RE JUST TWO_______ __________
SWIMMINNG IN A _______ ______, YEAR AFTER YEAR, RUNNING OVER THE SAME OLD GROUND.
WHAT HAVE WE FOUND THE SAME OLD _________ . _______YOU ______HERE

Check your grammar and the uses of wish in the following quizzes.

http://http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/condition4a.html

http://http://www.better-english.com/grammar/wish1.htm

Listen to what people in London said about their wishes.
http://http//www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/expressenglish/2011/02/110217_ee_3wishes_page.shtml

Listen to this extract from the film REQUIEM FOR A DREAM and try to answer the following questions.

1. The mother is addicted to something. Can you imagine what?

2. She has only one hope in life. What?.

3. Can you summarize how she feels now and her final speech. Do you feel sympathetic with her

http://http//youtu.be/sq0W-L1KKPg

MY FUTURE!!!

2011-04-13T12:19:00.001-07:00

Listen to these students. They are about to leave school and they are making plans for their future. Choose three of them and write down a comment with their ideas. //http//www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/27/magazine/senior-class.htm

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER

2011-04-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER is based on a true story and it deals with a group of four Irish guys accused of putting bombs in a Guilford´s pub. - Summarize the film taking into account the following questions: Why have they been accused?; What are the dangers of bias and stereotyping?; How does Gerry´s attitude change thoughout the film?; What do you think of the legal system as it is presented in the film?; How do you feel when watching the film?

THE KING´S SPEECH

2011-03-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

Watch the trailer of the film THE KING´S SPEECH.
1.What´s his problem? How do you call this in English?
2. Why does he go to see this controversial doctor?
3. What can we say about his methods?
4. The king feels lots of pressure. Why is that?
5. What´s special about the chair that appears at he end of the trailer?
6. Why is the speech so important?

http://

Colin Firth is interviewed and asked a few questions about the film and the period in which the film is set. Pay attention and try to complete the quiz

THE KINGS SPEECH interview to Colin Firth '>http://

BEING IRISH

2011-03-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

Saint Patrick´s day is just around the corner but what is it exactly that we’re celebrating with all that green beer, corned beef, and cabbage? Well, it turns out that St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and perhaps the most well-know of all the saints. St. Patrick was born on March 17th, 460 A.D. in Britain, but when he was 16 he was kidnapped and kept as a prisoner in Ireland. After six years, St. Patrick escaped and returned to Britain, but it is said that he had visions which told him to return to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity.
Watch this video about ireland, pay attention to the images and the information you can read on them and try to answer the following questions.
1. How many provinces has IRELAND got?
2. What happened in 1840?
3. What´s the meaning of teh Irish flag?
4. Ireland is called the "emerald isle". Why is that?
5. Why were Shamrocks used by S. Patrick?
6. What´s the national symbol of the country?
7. What´s the most famous stout brewery?
8. What happens if you kiss the Blarney stone?

Watch the video and discuss the following questions:
1. Who celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.?
2. When is it celebrated?
3. What is one symbol of this holiday?
In the video some idomatic expressions are included try to do examples of your own with the following prompts:
1.Describe a problem that you were able to solve easily. [as luck would have it]
2.Describe a time you felt that you didn’t have support from others. [rain on my parade]
3.Name an event that you must prepare for very soon. [just around the corner]

- why certain colors are associated with particular holidays (e.g., green with St. Patrick’s Day)
- why a shamrock is considered lucky/ other symbols of luck
- other holidays that allow people to celebrate their ethnicity/ nationality
- other spring holidays around the world

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT NORTHERN IRELAND?
Northern Ireland was for many years the site of a violent and bitter ethno-political conflict which was caused by divisions between nationalists, who are predominantly Roman Catholic, and unionists, who are predominantly Protestant. Unionists want Northern Ireland to remain as a part of the United Kingdom, while nationalists wish for it to be politically reunited with the rest of Ireland, independent of British rule. Since the signing of the "Good Friday Agreement" in 1998, most of the paramilitary groups involved in the Troubles have ceased their armed campaigns.
Due to its unique history, the issue of the symbolism, name and description of Northern Ireland is complex, and similarly the issue of citizenship and identity. In general, Unionists consider themselves British and Nationalists see themselves as Irish, though these identities are not necessarily mutually exclusive

Find out information about:
- the IRA
- bloody Sunday

Song ‘Sunday, Bloody, Sunday’ by U2 cannot be ignored because it gives a good idea of the atmosphere of that day. Listen to the song and analyse the lyrics.

1.What news is he referring to?
2. "how long must we sing this song". what does it mean?
3. Which lines describe horror and the event? write them down.
4. What does he mean by saying "we are inmune" "when fact is fiction and TV reality?"

The movie ‘In the Name of the Father’ by Sheridan shows what the atmosphere was like in the seventies in Northern Ireland.
A small time thief from Belfast, Gerry Conlon, is falsely implicated in the IRA bombing of a pub that kills several people while he is in London. Bullied by the British police, he and four of his friends are coerced into confessing their guilt. Gerry's father and other relatives in London are also implicated in the crime. He spends 15 years in prison with his father trying to prove his innocence with the help of a British attorney, Gareth Peirce. Based on a true story.

If you are interested in travelling to Ireland have a look at this site and improve your knowledge about the emerald isle. Watch videos about Dublin, Belfast, Cork, etc and discover lots of interesting things about this country.

http://travel.guardian.co.uk/discoverireland/0,,2044063,00.html

HELP THE ENVIRONMENT. IS IT TOO LATE?

2011-02-26T11:28:00.001-08:00

WATCH THE GREENPEACE VIDEO YOU HAVE IN THE PREVIOUS POST.
WHAT´S YOUR OPINION ABOUT GREENPEACE CAMPAIGNS? AND ABOUT THIS ONE? DO YOU AGREE WITH WHAT THE BOY SAYS? HOW DO YOU THINK OUR FUTURE WILL BE? WHICH PARTS OF THE VIDEO DO YOU AGREE / DISAGREE WITH?

ARE YOU ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

2011-02-22T13:37:00.001-08:00

What environment problems do we have to have today?

listen and complete this exercise about what we cand do to make a greener world.

http://www.esl-lab.com/world/worldrd1.htm

How often do you reclycle? Learn how to reclycle different materials as a way of saving energy and conserving the environment. Have a look at this site and choose one of the following issues:
- learn how to recycle paper, glass, aluminium
- how to recycle at home taking into account the 3 "R"s ( reduce, reuse, recycle)
- recycle at school and improve our nature awareness.
http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/

This man has given up his job, family, possessions to build an island that floats on plastic bottles. Can you believe it? listen to the following story and find out!!!
After listening, try to answer the following questions:
1. How long did it take to build it?
2. What was his former job?
3. Where did he move to makes his dream come true?
4. How did he get the bottles?
5. How was the foundation of the island created?
6. What are the measures of the island?
7. The man is self_sufficient. In what sense?
8. Is he alone in the island?
9. How did the Mexican government react?

http://

Global warming is changing our world. Is it too late? Listen to this campaign by GREENPEACE and get your own opinions

It's not too late
Cargado por ITS-NOT-TOO-LATE. - Videos de noticias recién publicadas.'>http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video/x146vx?theme=none"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true">

Global warming is changing our world. Is it too late? Watch this Greenpeace video and express yourself. Do you agree with them?
Who is the boy blaming for our environmental problems?
According to him what will happen with?
- fish; rain forests; clean air; polar ice; oceans; some countries; famine; epidemics; life-expectancy?

http:// width="480" height="384">

Try doing these webquests to find out more about the environment
http://www.michellehenry.fr/envirwq.htm
http://www.michellehenry.fr/earthwq.htm

ENJOY

2011-01-29T03:11:00.001-08:00

MR. BRIGHTSIDE

" The Read Canadian Songbook: Alanis Morissette/Peter, Paul and Mary: Blowin' in the Wind ">http:// The Read Canadian Songbook: Alanis Morissette/Peter, Paul and Mary: Blowin' in the Wind

LOVE

2011-01-29T03:04:00.001-08:00

MY BOUNTY IS AS BOUNDLESS AS THE SEA
MY LOVE AS DEEP; THE MORE I GIVE TO THEE
THE MORE I HAVE, FOR BOTH ARE INFINITE
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Young love is a flame; very pretty often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined hearts is as coals, deep-burring , unquenchable.
Henry Ward Beecher

LISTEN TO 6 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE PRESENTS THEY GAVE TO THEIR BOYFRIENDS OR GIRLFRIENDS. YOU WILL SEE 3 PICTURES AND YOU HAVE TO CLICK ON THE CORRECT ONE, BUT BE CAREFUL BECAUSE IF YOU ARE WRONG YOU WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE SAME STORY AGAIN....
http://www.elllo.org/02LGPages/23-LG-Vday.htm

'>http://
Listen and answer the following questions:
1. Is there any guarantee of the historical origin of Saint Valentine´s? Where?
2.Where does the association between Romance and celebretrions in mid-february come from?
3. What did these festivities consist of?
4. What change is there in the 5th century?
5. In what sense did Valentine defy the emperor of the time (Claudius)?
6. Legend goes that when Valentine was sent to jail ...
7. When in jail, he fell in love. With whom?
8. Just before his execution, he ...
9. What kind of festivity is it today?
10 What type of presents are the most common ones among Americans?

SHOULD WE LEARN SLANG?

2011-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

A question on our minds when teaching English is whether or not it is appropriate to teach students the use of slang and idioms. Although the distinction between what is a formal term versus an informal one is crucial, slang is a significant part of conversational English and, as such, should be covered in the classroom. It would be very difficult for someone new to the English language to understand an American movie, TV show, news broadcast or even a typical conversation as they are filled with nonstandard English.

But what is "slang"?. Let´s define this word: An informal nonstandard variety of speech characterized by newly coined and rapidly changing words and phrases .
This means, that it is very difficult to keep up-dated.

When we learn other culture apart from this, we have to learn as well idiomatic expressions and idioms. What is an "idiom"? Any difference with slang? Typically, and idiom is a phrase used in a given culture and it has a meaning different from its literal meaning, whereas "slang" is used as a single word.

Here you have some links so that you can be in touch with some words and idioms frequently used.
http://www.jason-ism.com/english_projects/6categoriesofexpressions.html
http://a4esl.org/q/h/9801/lk-idiomsp.html
http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/ma-adj.html
http://www.jason-ism.com/english_projects/commonexpressionsandslangs.html
http://grafx.dlic.com/games/slangolator/slangolator.swf
http://www.tolearnenglish.com/free/argot/1g.php

American Slang
Read the sentences, and try to guess what the slang word or phrase (in bold) might mean.
1. ¨Nobody knew what the word meant, so we googled it¨
When you ´´google´´ something, you....
a. look at it for a long time
b. look it up on the internet
c. post something in your blog online.
2."I was just kidding when I said my teacher was a monster. She's strict, but she's actually a very nice person." Kidding means...
a you have children
b. you´re talking about children
c. what you said is not actually true, it is a joke
3. If someone tells you that your clothes are cheesy, that means...
a. you spilled cheese on your clothes
b. your clothes are orange
c. your clothes are cheap and out of fashion
4. A couch potato is someone who...
a. A person who watches too much television
b. Someone who loves potatoes
c. Someone who owns a potato farm
5.¨¨Have you seen the new Brad Pitt flick?¨ Flick is another word for..
a. a song
b. a movie or film
c. a picture
6. ¨¨He wanted to go swimming in the middle of the winter, but I told him he was nuts¨¨ When someone is nuts they are…
a. smart
b. clever
c. crazy
7. If a song is ´hot´´ it is...
a. about the beach
b. played in the summertime
c. very popular
8. ¨¨The new football player is on fire¨ On fire means.
a. they are hot
b. they are doing really well
c. they need a drink of water
9. ¨¨He really liked the movie, but I thought it was lame.¨´
If something is lame, it is
a. really great
b. boring, stupid
c. really expensive
10.¨¨If you have a secret, don´t tell Sarah. She has a really big mouth¨¨ Someone who has a big mouth…
a. has a small face
b. shouts a lot
c. talks too much
11.¨¨Oh no! I did my homework but I forgot it at home!¨¨
¨¨Really? Man, that sucks.¨¨ That sucks means…
a. That´s really good.
b. That´s really bad.
c. That´s really difficult
12.¨¨I´m pumped for the concert on Friday!¨ I´m pumped means..
a. I ´m upset because I can´t go
b. I´m going to but tickets
c. I´m really excited
13.¨¨After a long day at school, Tim just wanted to veg out in front of the
TV¨¨ Veg out is another way to say…
a. Relax and do nothing
b. Eat a lot of vegetables
c. Watch TV
14.¨¨I need to peace out soon, it´s getting late¨
¨ Ï´m leaving, peace out!¨¨ Peace out can mean…
a. To arrive or hello
b. To go to the bathroom or how are you
c. To leave or goodbye
15.¨Dude, you have a new car? That´s awesome!¨
Dude and awesome mean…
a.man, really great
b.Dad, really bad
c.Hello, fine

LISTEN TO THIS VIDEO. "An Italian in Malta". What problems does he have because of his bad pronunciation and slang misunderstanding?

'>http://

WORKING WITH FAIRY TALES

2010-12-26T04:04:00.000-08:00

Here you have a new challenge... You all know folk tales ( a narrative that is primarily about people that may or may not have existed) and fairy tales ( a narrative that often has magical characters and elements). You all know their traditional endings, but we can change them and adapt them to our times....Think about new ways to approach these traditional tales.
Some possible fairy tales that you could use:
• The Three Pigs
• The Three Bears
• Cinderella
• Snow White
• Sleeping Beauty
• The Gingerbread Man
• Hansel and Gretel
• Alice in Wonderland
• The Wizard of Oz
• Rapunzel
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Boy who Cried Wolf
• The Ugly Duckling
• The Princess and the Pea
• The Prince and the Pauper
• Jack and the Beanstalk
• Pinocchio
• The Little Mermaid
• Peter Pan
• The Emperor's new clothes
• Goldilocks & the three bears
• Hansel & Gretel
• Jack and the beanstalk
• The miller, his son and their donkey

THINK ABOUT A POSSIBLE STORY. WRITE THE VARIATIONS YOU WANT AND REAARRANGE THE STORY TO MAKE IT AS FLUID AS POSSIBLE. THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO TELL US THE WHOLE THING IN CLASS. SO COME ONE, EXPRESS YOUR OWN CREATIVITY AND ENJOY!!!TO START WITH, LET´S LISTEN TO ONE OF ROALD DAHL´S STORIES.
ROALD DAHL IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN´S WRITERS.Children love his poems and stories because he writes from their point of view - in his books adults are often the villains or are just plain stupid!
His most famous books are Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG. Here is one of them for you to practice your intonation and practice rhyming words: LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

HERE YOU HAVE THE TEXT SO THAT YOU CAN READ IT AND A LINK TO LISTEN TO IT.
http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=7428

"As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma’s door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, “May I come in?”
Poor Grandmamma was terrified,
“He’s going to eat me up!” she cried.And she was absolutely right.
He ate her up in one big bite.
But Grandmamma was small and tough,
And Wolfie wailed, “That’s not enough!
I haven’t yet begun to feel
That I have had a decent meal!”
He ran around the kitchen yelping,
“I’ve got to have a second helping!”
Then added with a frightful leer,
“I’m therefore going to wait right here
Till Little Miss Red Riding Hood
Comes home from walking in the wood.”
He quickly put on Grandma’s clothes,
(Of course he hadn’t eaten those).
He dressed himself in coat and hat.
He put on shoes, and after that
He even brushed and curled his hair,
Then sat himself in Grandma’s chair.
In came the little girl in red.
She stopped. She stared. And then she said,
“What great big ears you have, Grandma.”
“All the better to hear you with,” the Wolf replied.
“What great big eyes you have, Grandma.”
said Little Red Riding Hood.
“All the better to see you with,” the Wolf replied.
He sat there watching her and smiled.
He thought, I’m going to eat this child.
Compared with her old Grandmamma
She’s going to taste like caviar.
Then Little Red Riding Hood said, “But Grandma,
what a lovely great big furry coat you have on.”
“That’s wrong!” cried Wolf. “Have you forgot
To tell me what BIG TEETH I’ve got?
Ah well, no matter what you say,
I’m going to eat you anyway.”
The small girl smiles. One eyelid flickers.
She whips a pistol from her knickers.
She aims it at the creature’s head
And bang bang bang, she shoots him dead.
A few weeks later, in the wood,
I came across Miss Riding Hood.
But what a change! No cloak of red,
No silly hood upon her head.
She said, “Hello, and do please note
My lovely furry wolfskin coat.”

HEALTH

2010-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Do you care about your health?

DO THESE HEALTH QUIZZES AND CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS TOPIC

http://www.english-4u.de/health1.htm
http://www.english-4u.de/health2.htm

DO YOU KNOW HOW THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES WORKS IN THE UK. TRY THIS QUIZ TO FIND IT OUT. IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR HEALTH SYSTEM?
http://english.specialist.hu/

Do you like going to the dentist? here you´ve got some useful vocabulary and some listening practice
http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/v-dental-care.htm

http://www.dailyesl.com/dental-cleaning.htm

http://www.esl-lab.com/dental/dentalrd1.htm

CHECK THIS DIALOGUE AT THE CHEMIST´S. Listen to these examples at the pharmacy. You will listen to a person explaining his problem to the pharmacist and he will receive some advice, recommendations and reassurance.
http://www.englishmed.com/pharmacists/dialogue-5/flash/

http://www.englishmed.com/pharmacists/dialogue-6/flash/

http://www.englishmed.com/pharmacists/dialogue-7/flash/

http://www.englishmed.com/pharmacists/dialogue-8/flash/

CHRISTMAS IS BACK!!!!

2010-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT? MAYBE YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO SOME CAROLS TO FEEL IT.....

DO YOU CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS´EVE IN A SPECIAL WAY? LISTEN TO THIS VIDEO ABOUT A WELL-KNOWN POTCARD´S TRADEMARK AND DESCRIBE WHAT THE SPEAKER FEELS ABOUT CHRISTMAS TIME. DO YOU HAVE A SIMILAR SENSATION?

Time was, with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and every one around the Christmas fire; and made the little picture shining in our bright young eyes complete.

And is our life here, at the best, so constituted that, pausing as we advance at such a noticeable milestone in the track as this great birthday, we look back on the things that never were, as naturally and full as gravely as on the things that have been and are gone, or have been and still are? If it be so, and so it seems to be, must we come to the conclusion that life is little better than a dream, and little worth the loves and strivings that we crowd into it?

No! Far be such miscalled philosophy from us, dear reader, on Christmas Day! Nearer and closer in our hearts be the Christmas spirit, which is the spirit of active usefulness, perseverance, cheerful discharge of duty, kindness, and forbearance! It is in the last virtues especially that we are, or should be, strengthened by the unaccomplished visions of our youth; for, who shall say that they are not our teachers, to deal gently even with the impalpable nothings of the earth!

Welcome, old aspirations, glittering creatures of an ardent fancy, to your shelter underneath the holly! We know you, and have not outlived you yet. Welcome, old projects and old loves, however fleeting, to your nooks among the steadier lights that burn around us. Welcome, all that was ever real to our hearts; and for the earnestness that made you real, thanks to heaven!

Welcome everything! Welcome alike what has been, and what never was, and what we hope may be, in your shelter underneath the holly, to your places round the Christmas fire, where what is, sits openhearted!

Of all days in the year, we will turn our faces toward that City upon Christmas Day, and from its silent hosts bring those we loved among us. In the Blessed Name wherein we are gathered together at this time, and in the Presence that is here among us according to the promise, we will receive, and not dismiss, the people who were dear to us!

by CHARLES DICKENS

BOOKING A ROOM IN A HOTEL

2010-11-07T04:11:00.000-08:00

Pay attention to these sentences that may be useful for you when trying to book a room

AT A HOTEL:
1) The guest
- Have you got a single/ double room for tonight?
- I'd like to stay in a double room.
- Do all the rooms have air-conditioning?
- Is breakfast included?
- When do you serve breakfast?
- Could you give me a call at 7 tomorrow morning, please?
I'd like to pay in cash/by credit card/by traveller's cheque

2) The receptionist
- Hello, can I help you?
- Would you like a room with a bath or a shower?
- How long would you like to stay at our hotel?
- How would you like to pay?
- Your room in on the second floor on the right.
- Sorry, we're fully booked for tonight.
- Sorry, we are full up.
- Is there anything else I can do for you?

There are different types of accommodation:
- bed and breakfast
- guesthouse
- hotel
- inn
- resort
- youth hostel
- motel

What´s the difference between them? Which one do you prefer? Why?

When in a hotel you may need some vocabulary or expressions like this:
- Amenities / facilities
- cable TV
- check in / check out
- continental breakfast
- handicapped facilities
- hot tub
- indoor / outdoor heated pool
- kitchen / kitchenette
- microwave
- queen-size bed / king-size bed
- rollaway bed
- room rates
- call the front desk / reception
-cancel a reservation
- make a reservation
- order room service
- hire a car
- I would be very grateful if ...
- I would be grateful for an indication of your rates: including full board / half board / breakfast / evening meal.
Watch this video and pay attention to the requirements of these people.
Is there a problem with the check in?

Having problems in a hotel

A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT THANKSGIVING

2010-11-07T02:48:00.000-08:00

WHO WERE THE PILGRIMS? WHY DO AMERICANS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING DAY? DO THIS WEBQUEST AND FIND OUT MORE THINGS ABOUT AMERICAN HISTORY AND THIS FESTIVITY

http://www.prof2000.pt/users/estante/web_adventures/thanksgiving/end.html

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE FIRST THANKSGIVING? FOLLOW THIS GAME AND FIND IT OUT. BE A HISTORIAN RESEARCHER FOR A WHILE AND FIND OUT AS MANY THINGS AS POSSIBLE.

http://www.plimoth.org/media/olc/intro.html

THANKSGIVING´S FOOD

2010-11-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

The annual Thanksgiving tradition in the United States can be traced back to the 17th century. In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World, the English Pilgrims had a very successful and plentiful fall harvest. The Pilgrims, who had settled Plymouth Colony (in present day Massachusetts), soon made peace with the local Native American tribe, the Wampanoag. To celebrate the harvest, the Pilgrims and the Native Americans joined together to feast. Since then, an annual day of Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada, on the second Monday in October.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes: roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and rolls. No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a pumpkin pie for dessert!

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO COOK A TYPICAL THANKSGIVING DESSERT? HERE YOU HAVE SOME HELP. HAVE A GO!!!...

Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups pumpkin purée
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 9-inch pie shell

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, ginger, cinnamon, pumpkin purée and 3 eggs. Beat well. Add evaporated milk and combine. Set aside.

WHY EATING TURKEY? WATCH THIS VIDEO AND SEE HOW TRADITIONS CHANGE.

1. WHAT´S THE NEW WAY OF COOKING TURKEY?

2. WHERE IS IT MORE POPULAR?

3. WHY DO THEY SAY IT IS BETTER COOKED IN THIS WAY THAN IN THE OVEN?

4. HOW IS IT PREPARED? CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT STEPS THE WOMAN FOLLOWS?

5. WHO DECIDED TO USE THE TURKEY AS THE NATIONAL BIRD?

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK IT?

http://www.history.com/videos/holiday-foods-thanksgiving---turkey

AUSTRALIA

2010-11-06T06:31:00.001-07:00

Australia is an epic romance set in Northern Australia in the late 1930s and 1940s. A transforming journey about romance, war, greed mistreatment, heroism, tragedy and triumph. The story deals with a period in Australia´s history when Indigenous Australians were dispossessed of their land, their children and their human rights. In the film you can see some consequences of white settlement on Australian´s original inhabitants, the development of the cattle industry, the effects of the second world war and the multicultural mix there were in the continent. These topics are mentioned in different ways in the film. Pay attention to them and after watching the film discuss them. CHOOSE ONE YOU LIKE AND SPEAK ABOUT IT. 1. a transforming journey 2. droving 3. bombing during WWII 4. land 5. connections between Aboriginal people and white people 6. Stolen Generations 7. connections between land and indigenous people 8. love 9. power of magic and beliefs

ADDICTIONS

2010-10-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT ADDICTIONS IN THE LAST DAYS AND YOU HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING ABOUT LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS, ABOUT ALCOHOL AND TEENAGERS AND SO ON. HERE YOU HAVE A NEW VOICETHREAD AND A NEW TASK. CHOOSE ON OF THE TOPICS BELOW AND RECORD YOUR OPINION ABOUT IT. - STREET DRINKING. This is a kind of trend among teenagers. What are the reasons? IS it a good way of spending your leisure time? - BINGE DRINKING. The idea of drinking alcohol in a very short period of time ( at the weekends for example) is very popular now and it is spreading among European teeangers. Why? What are the health risks of this abuse? -People shouldn´t be allowed to smoke in public places. - In Britain, young people aren´t allowed to buy alcohol until they are 18. Is this a good idea? - IF drugs were legalised, a lot of more people would take them.

LIVING IN A MINE FOR 3 MONTHS?

2010-09-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

/

Answer the following questions?
1. Do the miners know what date it is?
2. Why do they do shifts?
3. What are the timetables of their meals?
4. What do the paramedics do?
5. How do they kill time?
6. Can they smoke?
7. How many kms of tunnel are there?

TELLING A STORY WITH A SONG.

2010-09-20T08:19:00.001-07:00

Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964) is a singer-songwriter, best known for her singles "Fast Car", "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", "Give Me One Reason" and "Telling Stories". She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning artist.
Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was raised by her mother. Despite not having much money, her mother recognized Tracy's love of music and bought her a ukulele at the age of three.Tracy Chapman began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of eight. She says she may have been first inspired to play the guitar by the television show Hee Haw.
Chapman was raised Baptist and went to an Episcopalian high school. She was quickly accepted into the program A Better Chance, which enabled her to attend Wooster School in Connecticut; she subsequently attended Tufts University. At Tufts she graduated with a B.A. degree in anthropology and African studies.

In Fast Car Tracy Chapman describes the hardships a girl faces with the people she loves and her search for a better way of life. The song has a narrative structure and the songwriter tells a hard story. Listen to the song and answer the following questions.

1. where is the woman working?
2. Where does she want to go and with whom?
3. What´s her plan?
4. who does she live with?
5. what´s the problem of this person?
6. Why does she quit school?
7. Does her dream come true? Explain the last part of the story.
8. Summarize the song and retell the whole story. As in a narrative there is a starting point, a development and a conclusion. Can you find them?

ALL ABOUT ME!!!!

2010-09-19T12:19:00.001-07:00

THE LAND DOWN UNDER.

2010-09-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere (that is the bottom half of the world). This is why it is sometimes referred to as the Land Down Under.
It is the smallest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent in the world. It is also the only country which occupies a whole continent. Australia occupies 5% of the world's landmass (149,450,000 km2) and is the world's largest island.
The official name for Australia is the Commonwealth of Australia. It is a stable, culturally diverse, democracy following the Westminster form of government (the British model). It is the 6th oldest democracy in the world

English is the national language of Australia. But you may not always be able to make sense of some of the things you hear Australians say. That's because Australian slang is different from American slang.

See if you can figure out what these sentences mean using TFK's own Aussie Glossary below.

"Hey, mate! Come along to our barbie this arvo. We've got some charcoal chook, and Grandpa's going to cook the snags."

I don't mean to grizzle, but I was feeling pretty crook during Chrissie. That, and there weren't enough lollies!

Now get the hang of Aussie slang!

(Note: A few of the words below are old-fashioned and are no longer spoken by most Aussies.)

arvo: afternoon ; barbie: barbecue ; billabong: waterhole in a dry riverbed; chook: a chicken ; Chrissie: Christmas; crook: broken or sick ; drongo: a foolish person ;
grizzle: to complain ; jumbuck: sheep ; lollies: candy, sweets ; mate: a best buddy; mozzie: mosquito ; snags: sausages

HOW DO YOU LEARN ENGLISH?. FOREIGN FOOTBALLERS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE.

2010-08-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

Listen to some foreign players from the UK Premier League.
Find out how they learnt English and how they felt living in a different country.

Player interviews Premier Skills
http://premierskills.britishcouncil.org/fans-uk/content/whats-best-way-learn-english

Listen to the following video and try to summarize what the players say about the best thing of learning English and the advice they give to foreign player coming to England
http://www.viddler.com/BCpremierskills/videos/61/
http://www.viddler.com/BCpremierskills/videos/57/

BACK TO SCHOOL. WELCOME EVERYONE!!

2010-08-23T04:11:00.001-07:00

A new academic year starts. I hope you have had fun in these two months and you start with new energy and you are ready to learn lots of English. Don´t be sad,maybe your long days at the beach are over, but lots of interesting things are waiting for you in this new course. We´ll try to make your journey through the English world as fun as possible.

Welcome everyone!!!

HOW TO GET READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL? WATCH THIS VIDEO AND HERE YOU HAVE SOME TIPS THAT MAY HELP YOU FEEL BETTER...

SUMMER TIME IS OVER!!!!

2010-08-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

Summer vacation is time to relax and have fun. Most schools are closed and some people get a few weeks off from their jobs. It's a great time to go new places and try new activities. Summer is the most popular season for going on a cruise, spending time at the beach, golfing, playing baseball, rafting, hiking, gardening, and grilling food outside. Unfortunately it is nearly over and we have to go back to school.
What will you miss about your summer time?

Match the columns. Write the letters on the lines.
1. _____ hot a. any fun activity
2. _____ warm b. between cool and hot
3. _____ breezy c. brown skin tone from sunshine
4. _____ sandcastle d. bucket
5. _____ shovel and pail e. castle made of damp sand
6. _____ pail f. clothes for swimming
7. _____ shorts g. first day of summer
8. _____ swimsuit h. outside
9. _____ sandals i. over 85 degrees
10. _____ June 21 j. physical activity or game
11. _____ spring k. season after summer
12. _____ fall or autumn l. season before summer
13. _____ four m. shoes for the beach
14. _____ vacation n. short pants
15. _____ recreation o. star the Earth revolves around
16. _____ outdoors p. time off from work or school
17. _____ sports q. to sleep outside in a tent
18. _____ camping r. total number of seasons
19. _____ sun s. used to make sandcastles
20. _____ suntan t. windy

JUNO

2010-05-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

A wonderful movie where teenage pregnancy is dealt with in a creative, different manner.

Juno is a sixteen year old high school student faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The father is another teenager who she doesn't consider to be her boyfriend. She wants it to go away like a bad dream, but she realizes she needs to take control of the situation and she undergoes a series of difficult situations in a very easy-going way. She asks for advice, she thinks of having abortion and she even thinks of giving her baby in adption. Will it be easy to find the perfect couple?...

warming-up:

1. Is unwanted teenage pregnancy an issue where you live?
2. What's your opinion about aborting a teenager's unwanted pregnancy? Would you consider it under any circumstances?
3. What about giving the child away for adoption? What do you think about it?
4. Are teenagers prepared to take care of a baby?

5. Have teenagers good information about contraceptive methods?

we´ll work with the film in class, watch the trailer first and try to answer the following questions

http://
1. What was her mother and father´s reaction?
2. What was her friend's reaction?
3. What did Juno say she was going to do with the baby? Do you like her idea?
4. What would you do if...?
- You were Juno?
- You were Juno's best friend?
- You were Juno's parents?
- You were the father of the baby?
- You were the couple to whom Juno promised to give the baby awa

VOCABULARY

2010-04-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOD. HERE YOU´VE GOT SOME VOCABULARY ABOUT VEGETABLES, FRUIT AND MEAT.

PLAY THESE GAMES ABOUT MCDONALDS AND A GAME ABOUT FOOD!!!

2010-03-31T05:02:00.000-07:00

THE SPY GAME. CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD AND PLAY THE SPY GAME!
http://www.scholastic.com/ispy/games/index.htm

FOR decades McDonald’s corporation has been heavily criticized for his negative impact on society and environment.
There are inevitably some glitches in our activity: rainforest destruction, livelihood losses in the third world, desertification, precarization of working conditions, food poisoning and so on… Denying all these well founded accusations would be impossible so we decided to create an online game to explain to young people that this is the price to pay in order to preserve our lifestyle.
http://www.mcvideogame.com/why-eng.html

THE COCA COLA STORY

2010-03-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

HAVE A LOOK AT THIS BRIEF HISTORY OF ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZED TRADEMARKS IN THE WORLD AND PLAY THE GAME. CAN YOU ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS?

http://www.quia.com/cb/353496.html

ORDERING FOOD. jummy jummy!!!

2010-03-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

LISTEN TO THIS PERSON AND FIND OUT WHAT FOOD HE IS ORDERING.
http://www.esl-lab.com/pie1/pierd1.htm

HOW DO YOU SAY A CARTON OF MILK OR A BOX OF MILK? DO THIS EXERCISE ABOUT FOOD QUANTITIES. (There are other exercises related to food in this page. If you want to practise have a go...!)
http://www.eslpartyland.com/quiz-center/foodcross.htm

Watch this video about "mouth´s revolutions". Mouths are demanding for real foodd.... have a look and guess what it is about....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nicOP2NLC0
AFTER WATCHING, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1. WHAT ARE THE JOUNALISTS REPORTING?
2. IN THE CONFERENCE WHAT DO THE MOUTHS DEMAND?
3. WHAT KIND OF FOOD DO THEY WANT?
4. WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO UNTIL THEIR DEMANDS ARE MET?
5. THEY WRITE A MANIFESTO WITH THEIR DEMANDS. WHAT ARE THE ARTICLES ABOUT? Write the 5 things they want and why.

THIS QUIZ WILL HELP YOU PRACTICE KITCHEN VOCABULARY.
JUST TRY...
http://www.eslpartyland.com/news/kitchen.htm

ARE WE A LOST GENERATION?

2010-03-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT OUR SOCIETY. DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE PART OF THIS LOST GENERATION?

WHAT´S YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU WATCH THIS VIDEO?

IN YOUR NEXT TASK YOU WILL HAVE TO COMMENT WHAT YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WATCH THIS, WHICH PARTS YOU AGREE WITH, WHICH PARTS YOU DON´T AGREE WITH.
You will have to make a presentation showing your opinion.

http://

THE EUROPEAN UNION

2010-03-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

The EU currently has 27 member countries, which have transferred some of their sovereignty – or lawmaking authority – to the EU. Three more countries have applied for EU membership: Croatia, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Try to do this webquest about europe and check your knowledge about Europe. Come on!! have a go!!

http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/europewq.htm

IRISH TRADITIONAL DANCE AND MUSIC

2010-03-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

What do you know about traditional Irish dance and music?
Music and dance has been at the very heart of Irish culture and heritage for as long as we can remember. These traditional songs and dances which have been passed down through the years give them a strong sense of cultural identity and are still a huge part of their social lives.

Let's take a closer look at how Irish music and Irish dance have become the cornerstone of our heritage and culture.

The beginning of traditional Irish music in Ireland is somewhat vague, as songs, music and lyrics were only passed down orally from one generation to the next, mainly in rural areas. It is said that there were thousands of ballads and Irish songs ever before people began writing them down! Most Irish songs and ballads reflected what was going on in the country at the time, so a lot of the songs that we sing today are steeped in history.

Long ago you'd usually only hear Irish music being played in peoples homes, but after 1920 (when Ireland gained its independence from Great Britain) Irish music flourished and crossroads dancing became very popular. It drew people from near and far and soon became the main social event in the area.

During the 1930's, the 'Dance Hall' was where you could enjoy Irish music and dance. The 'Ceilí Band' also emerged during this time.

In 1951, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann was set up to encourage traditional Irish music. This group created the Fleadh Ceoil Festival which is still held in various locations in modern day Ireland. By now traditional Irish music was a part of everyday living and became even more popular due to music programs on the airwaves.

The main instruments used in Irish music are the tin whistle, the accordion, the concertina, the uilleann pipes, the flute, the bodhrán, the banjo, the mouth organ, the piano, the fiddle and of course the harp. The harp was a very popular musical instrument in ancient Ireland and it's even said that Irish monks in the 6th century took their harps abroad when they travelled to Europe.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about Irish music and not mention Irish dancing, as the two go hand-in-hand! It's said that Irish traditional music was mainly invented to accompany dancing but it's also said that Irish dancing became a way of enjoying Irish music.

Traditional Irish dances include reels, hornpipes and jigs. These step dances originated from "Sean-Nós" dancing which was an old style/version of dancing in Ireland and there are many variations of them depending on what dance school you learn from.

Other popular Irish dances include céilí dancing and polka sets. Céilí dances can involve many people dancing to Irish music at the same time. Dances like this include the "Walls of Limerick", "Shoe the Donkey" or the "Siege of Ennis".

Irish set dancing is hugely popular all over the world and features a set of eight dancers (four couples). Sets can be different from one area to the next for example, in Ireland we have the Corofin Plain Set, the Clare Lancers Set and the Connemara Set to name a few.

Thanks to productions such as Riverdance, Irish music and dance have become loved all over the world, and it has even created many spin-offs like "Lord of the Dance" and "Celtic Storm".

Irish dancing is alive and well in Ireland today. You'll find céílís the length and breath of the country in halls or even in the local pub! Most towns in Ireland have their own schools of dance, which hold weekly classes in Irish dancing and some welcome beginners and visitors!

When you visit Ireland, make sure you go to a céilí where you'll enjoy a great night of traditional Irish music and dance. Don’t pass up the opportunity to join in, as Irish dancing is great fun!

No matter where you are in Ireland, you're sure to come across a session. If you join in with the locals you'll experience something that is truly "Irish". Or you can just sit back with your favourite tipple and take it all in. A lot of pubs have live traditional Irish music at the weekend, so browse our list and find somewhere you can enjoy a session. Don't forget to be part of it, mingle with the locals, make friends, and above all enjoy the atmosphere and the "craic".

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These three songs are very popular and sung by Irish people when they want to have fun...
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In Dublin's Fair City
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheel'd her wheel barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus
Alive, alive o!, alive, alive o!
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

She was a fishmonger
But sure 'twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they each wheel'd their barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus

She died of a fever
And no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!

Chorus

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As I was going over the far famed Kerry mountains
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting.
I first produced my pistol, and then produced my rapier.
Said stand and deliver, for I am a bold deceiver,

musha ring dumma do damma da
whack for the daddy 'ol
whack for the daddy 'ol
there's whiskey in the jar

I counted out his money, and it made a pretty penny.
I put it in my pocket and I took it home to Jenny.
She said and she swore, that she never would deceive me,
but the devil take the women, for they never can be easy

I went into my chamber, all for to take a slumber,
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder.
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water,
Then sent for captain Farrel to be ready for the slaughter.

It was early in the morning, as I rose up for travel,
The guards were all around me and likewise captain Farrel.
I first produced my pistol, for she stole away my rapier,
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken.

If anyone can aid me, it's my brother in the army,
If I can find his station down in Cork or in Killarney.
And if he'll come and save me, we'll go roving near Kilkenny,
And I swear he'll treat me better than me darling sportling Jenny

Now some men take delight in the drinking and the roving,
But others take delight in the gambling and the smoking.
But I take delight in the juice of the barley,
And courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

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I've been a wild rover for many's the year
and I've _____ all my ______ on _______ and _____.
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
and I never ____ _____ the wild rover no more

Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never,
no, nay, never, __ _______
will I play the wild rover
no, never, no more

I went into an ___________ I used to ______-
and I told the _______ my money ___ ______.
I asked her for _____, she answered me nay,
Such "a custom like yours I can have any day

Chorus

I took from my ______ ten sovereigns bright
and the landlady's eyes opened _____ with ______.
She said I'd have ______ and _____ of the best
and the ______ that she told me were only in jest.

Chorus

I'll go home to my _____, confess what I've _____,
and I'll ask them to ______ their prodigal son.
And when they've _________ me as oft' times before
then I never will play the wild rover no more

Chorus X2

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Another ______ hangs lowly,
________ is slowly taken.
And the _______ caused such ______,
Who are we _________?

But you _____, it's not me, it's not my_____.
In your head, in your head they are ______,
With their _______ and their _______,
And their bombs and their ______.
In your head, in your head, they are ______...

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What's in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, dou, dou, dou, dou, dou...

Another ______'s breakin',
_____ is taking ______.
When the _______ causes _______,
We must be _______.

It's the _____ old theme ______ _________.
In your head, in your head they're still ________,
With their ______ and their _______,
And their bombs and their _____.
In your head, in your head, they are ______...

In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What's in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, oh, ya, ya-a...

HOW TO CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK´S DAY LIKE A REAL IRISH...

2010-03-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

LET´S CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK´S DAY!!
FIRST, A BIT OF HISTORY.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS.

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/videos#history-of-st-patricks-day

1. After winter time, Saint Patrick´s means__________________________________
2. When does the story of Saint Patrick begin?
3. How long does he remain a slave in Ireland?
4. In the end, he managed to escape but he returned to Ireland. Why and when?

5. What does the legend say about snakes? Is it real?
6. How did he teach the Holy Trinity?
7. Why is Sain Patrick´s celebrated March 17?

8. In which colonial city was celebrated the first Saint Patrick´s?
9. Which is the most famous parade today?

10. When did the massive migrations take place? Why and Where did they go?

TRY THE FOLLOWING QUIZZES TO CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT IRELAND AND SAINT PATRICKS DAY!!
http://a4esl.org/q/h/lb/stpat.html
http://theholidayspot.com/patrick/quiz.htm

VOCABULARY

http://www.edhelper.com/StPatricksDay4126.htm

TREASURE HUNT. What have you learnt about Saint Patrick´s day? Do these treasure hunts at home
http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/patsday6.htm (easy)http://www.ecps.k12.nc.us/dfw/ebaker/St.Patrick%27sDay.htm (pre-intermediate)

GAME. Help Larry the Leprechaun to protect his pots of gold from the snakes...
http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/st-patricks-day/games/game_wallop.html

DO YOU WANT TO CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK´S DAY LIKE A REAL IRISH MAN? WATCH THIS VIDEO AND FIND OUT WHICH ARE THE FIVE STEPS TO CELEBRATE THIS PARTY AS A REAL IRISH!!!

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SOUTH AFRICA 2010.

2010-02-26T11:37:00.001-08:00

What do you know about South Africa?
What´s the first idea that comes to your mind?

Here you´ve got a beautiful video about South Africa marvellous sceneries. Come on have a look!!

WHO IS NELSON MANDELA? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM?
WHY WAS HE AWARDED THE NOBEL PRIZE?
LISTEN TO HIM IN THIS VIDEO ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP.

THE OFFICIAL WOLD CUP THEME SONG IS MADE BY K´NAAN.
FIND INFORMATION ABOUT HIM. WHERE IS HE FROM? WHERE DOES HE LIVE NOW? HOW DID HE MANAGE TO RECORD HIS FIRST ALBUM? SEARCH ON THE NET AND FIND IT OUT!!

NOW LISTEN TO THE SONG.

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WAVING FLAG

When I get _________, I will be _________
They’ll call me _________, just like a Waving Flag
When I get______, I will be ________
They’ll call me ________, just like a Waving Flag
And then it _____ _______, and then it ____ _____
And then it goes back
Born to a ______, stronger than Rome
But Violent prone, poor people zone
But it’s my home, all I have _______
Where I got grown, streets we would roam
But out of the ________, I came the farthest
Among the hardest _______
Learn from these streets, it can be bleak
Except no _______, surrender retreat
So we ________, fighting to eat and
We _________ when we’ll be free
So we _________ wait, for that _______ day
It’s not far away, so for now we say
When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back

So many ______ , settling scores
Bringing us ________, leaving us ______
I heard them say, ______ is the way
______ is the answer, that’s what they say,
But look how they _____ us, make us __________
We fight their _______, then they deceive us
Try to _______ us, they couldn’t hold us
Cause we just move forward like Buffalo Soldiers
But we __________, fighting to eat
And we _________, when we’ll be free
So we _______ wait, for that ______ day
It’s not far away, but for now we say
When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back
When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And everybody will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And you and I will be singing it
(Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhhh)
And we all will be singing it
(Ohhh Ohh Ohh Ohh)
When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back
When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back
When I get older, when I get older
I will be stronger, just like a Waving Flag
Just like a Waving Flag, just like a Waving flag
Flag, flag, Just like a Waving Flag.

BUT THINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN EASY. PROBLEMS LIKE APARTHEID, POVERTY, INCREASE OF AIDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PRESENT.

NELSON MANDELA IS THE MAN WHO REPRESENTS STRUGGLE, SACRIFICE. HE HAS DONE A LOT FOR HIS PEOPLE AND HIS COUNTRY. He is one of the most important reformors and revolutionarists in South AFrica.

LISTEN AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS MAN.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1. Why did the UN create a special Mandela´s day? when is it?

2, What are Mandela´s contributions to his country and his people?

3. How many years was he in prison?

4. Why was he released?

5. when was he freed?

6. Mandela was the first _______________. He was in power for __________. He retired in ______.

7. What´s his most important award?

8. What has he done after his retirement?

CLICK AND LISTEN

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/0911/091112-nelson_mandela.mp3

DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION. 21 MARCH
March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It commemorates a tragedy that happened in the town of Sharpeville in South Africa on this day in 1960. Police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid laws. The massacre shocked the world. For many years this day was known as Sharpeville Day in South Africa. In 1966, the UN General Assembly created this special day, calling on all countries to redouble their efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, once and for all. Every March 21st, the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and New York conduct activities to highlight the evil of racism and our duty to combat it.
This day perhaps played a role in the ending of apartheid in South Africa. Today the country is a multi-racial society where the government is promoting equality at all levels. The ending of apartheid and the discrimination that went with it opened up South Africa to greater economic development. UN General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon spoke of how racism affects human rights and becomes an obstacle to a nation’s development: "Racist practices hurt their victims, but they also limit the promise of entire societies where they are tolerated. They prevent individuals from realizing their potential and stop them from contributing fully to national progress." Racism is still a damaging force in today’s world.

Try and make a difference on March 21.

INVICTUS
A look at life for Nelson Mandela after the fall of apartheid in South Africa during his first term as president when campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his countrymen.

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Answer these questions:
1.Before watching. Who are the actors? what role do they perform?
2. Mandela says he was invited to__________________ and there he was received with a ___________
3. What was his reaction when he listened to that?
4. What type of song was that?
5.Is Invictus a real story?
6. What does Mandela do with the national team?

Married for 50 Years: Love Ever After

2010-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Married for 50 Years: Love Ever After

TRY THIS GAME. CATCH THE LETTER AND MAKE WORDS RELATED TO SAINT VALENTINE´S.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/winter/valentines/game2.html

BE MY VALENTINE...

2010-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

Saint Valentine´s day is a special day to celebrate love and friendship.

On this day we give cards, flowers, candies to the people we love. Some people listen to romantic music, write love letters or have candlelit romantic dinners. Popular saint Valentine´s symbols include colour red, the bow and arrow, hearts and Cupid who is a mythical figure, a winged god of love and the son of Venus.

TRY DOING THIS TREASURE HUNT ABOUT SAINT VALENTINE´S. TRY TO GET AS MANY ANSWERS AS POSSIBLE . YOU CAN GET THE INFORMATION IN THE LINKS YOU HAVE IN THE SITE.

http://www.michellehenry.fr/valentine_th.htm

Have a look at these cards :
http://www.mightybook.com/MightyBook_free/new_month/february_fun/punny_valentine.html

2010-02-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

What are the most romantic films you have ever seeen? here you have some examples.

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ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIALS

2010-01-31T03:43:00.000-08:00

Advertising is a difficult task sometimes it all depends on having a catchy slogan and a good selection of images, words, whatever.

Here you´ve got some famous slogans about world-wide known products. Do you remeber them:

CALSBERG: "Probably the best lager in the wold"

KETUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: "Finger lickin´good!!"

L`OREAL: "Because i´m worth it"

McDONALD´S: "I´m loving it"

M&M´S : "The milk melts in your mouth, not in your hand"

NIKE: "Just do it"

GILLETTE: "The best a man can get"

Do they ring a bell? Can you think of any others?

Watch some of these funny adverts. What´s your opinion about them?

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THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by Michael Moore

2010-01-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

] "A brief History of America" iframe http://www.eslvideo.com/view_quiz_inframe.php?id=4450 450 900]

LISTEN TO THIS PARTICULAR VERSION OF THE AMERICAN HISTORY.
MICHAEL MOORE ONCE MORE MAKES USE OF HIS IRONY AND WIT TO MAKE FUN OF THE MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.
WHAT´S YOUR OPINION ABOUT IT?

PENELOPE CRUZ. NINE

2010-01-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW TO PENELOPE ABOUT HER NEW FILM NINE AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. Why was Penelope scared with the film?

2. How long did she rehease for this film?

3. why did she lock herself in her room before the song recording?

4. When does she decide to become an actress?

5. Where did her mother work and why did she like going there?

6. What happened the day of the Oscars? How does she describe this moment?

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TRAVELLING

2010-01-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

Here you´ve got some useful vocabulary related to travelling and airports. Pay attention to the pronunciation and their meanings.

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CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE IN AN AIRPORT? WATCH THIS TRAILER ABOUT THE TERMINAL AND FIND IT OUT....

LISTEN TO THIS INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT TO DO AT THE AIRPORT. CAN YOU SUMMARIZE THE MOST IMPORTANT POINTS.

http://www.dailyesl.com/airport-arrival.htm

LISTEN TO THIS AIRPORT ANNOUNCEMENT AND TRY TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
http://www.esl-lab.com/airport/airportrd1.htm

LISTEN TO THIS PERSON MAKIN SOME TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS.
http://esl-lab.com/flight/flightrd1.htm

http://esl-lab.com/train/train-video.htm

WORKING WITH STEREOTYPES.

2010-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Stereotypes are generalizations that people make about the characteristics of all members of a group. These generalizations are based on a image that is not always real. Whenever there is a problem we tend to define people according to these stereotypes which means we are not being very objective. In general stereotypes bring negative connotations and we have to be very careful with the way we use them. They can be good to define some aspects of a group or a person but that´s all. We should be able to make out what is real from what it is not...

This is what it is said about us... Do you agree?
Spaniards are lazy; party animals; womanizers; food lovers (Paella); extroverted; untidy; conscientious; impulsive; megalomaniac; bull fighters; always late; “know how to live”; wine-drinking and ham-eating; temperamental; affectionate; look like Antonio Banderas; emotional cry-babies; sophisticated; everybody smokes and talks all the time; proud and patriotic; fashionable, love to dance; relaxed; nationalists; cultured; respect their rights and duties; history and ancestry are important; leisure culture; open-minded and warm people;

LOOKING FOR A JOB!!!

2010-01-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

LOOKING FOR A JOB IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. YOU ARE JUDGED BY OTHER PEOPLE WHO DECIDE WHETHER YOUR ARE GOOD POR A CERTAIN POST OR NOT. SOMETIMES IT CAN BE DIFFICULT AND YOU CAN GET NERVOUS IN AN INTERVIEW.
WATCH THIS VIDEO AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE CLUES THEY GIVE TO SHOW CONFIDENCE IN A JOB INTERVIEW. PAY ATTENTION AS WELL TO SOME NICE EXPRESSIONS AND QUESTIONS YOU CAN USE WHENEVER YOU ARE IN A SITUATION LIKE THIS.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND WRITE DOWN THE SENTENCES OR QUESTIONS THE INTERVIEWER USES.

THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THEIR JOBS!!!
THE VIDEO HAS TWO PARTS. ONE WITHOUT SUBTITLES AND THE OTHER ONE WITH SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH. WATCH THE VIDEO AND SEE WHAT´S PEOPLE´S OPINION ABOUT THEIR JOBS. DO THEY ENJOY THEM? DO THEY MAKE FUN OF THEIR SITUATION?

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WORKING WITH STEREOTYPES....

2010-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

TRANSSIBERIAN.
We are going to work with this movie about drug dealers in trains in Russia and how a naive American couple gets involved with it during their trip abroad.

Before getting into the movie, lets´s work with stereotypes.
1. What´s your idea about Russians? Do you think the film is going to portray a good image of them?
2. What stereotypes about different cultures are you familiar with? Check on the net and we will discuss in class about it.
Before watching the film we´ll do a pair work trying to answer these questions.
1. have you ever travelled by ship, plane, train? What´s your favourite? Why?
2. have you ever travelled abroad? What can go wrong when you go to a foreign country?
3. is it important to know the culture of the country you are travelling to? Why? Why not?
4. do you konw anything about the Russian culture? how do you imagine your journey there?

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After watching the segment work in groups and have a look at the following questions to discuss about them in class.
1. What is unexpected for the American couple in the short period of their trip?
2. What do you think the Russian worker told them about the toilets?
3. What about the image of Russians? Does it coincide with your guesses?
4. Do you think Russians are like that? or Is it just a caricature?
5. Do you think the couple should take care and be catious? Do you think they will reach their destination? What should they do?
Think about at least 5 precautions they should take.

OBAMA´S CHRISTMAS SPEECH AND THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND´S SPEECH. ANY DIFFERENCE?

2010-01-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here you´ve got the Obama´s christmas speech and Elizabeth´s( The Queen of England) speech. Listen to them and try to answer the following questions.

1. What´s the main difference between both speeches?

2.What does Obama focus on?

3. What does Elizabeth focus on?

4. Is there any mention of the worldwide economic crisis in any of them?

NEW YEAR´S RESOLUTIONS

2009-12-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR´S EVE IS A TIME TO REFLECT ABOUT WHAT WE WANT IN OUR LIVES. WE THINK ABOUT OUR PAST AND LOOK FORWARD AS WELL.
JANUARY IS THE PERFECT MONTH TO BEGIN SOMETHING NEW

WITH THE EXCITEMENT OF THE NEW YEAR YOU HAVE THE STRENGHT TO CARRY OUT NEW PLANS AND IDEAS.

HAVE YOU GOT SOME NEW YEAR´S RESOLUTIONS IN MIND? LISTEN TO THESE KIDS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THEM? COMPARE YOUR OWN RESOLUTIONS WITH THEIRS?

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1. This year I`m gonna _____________________more time with my kids.
2. I´m gonna ______________ gossiping. Di you see what she_____________?
3. This year I´m gonna __________ a biker´s gang.
4. This year I´m gonna ___________- my shopping.
5. This year I´m gonna ____________ spending six dollars on a .___________
6. I´m goint to ____________ my anger. What ___________________? Can´t you see I´m trying to work here?
7. I´m going to ______________ that special girl. How are you doing?
8. Pick it up!
9. This year I`m going to ________________ more
10. This year I´m gonna get rid of my pot _________
11. I´m gonna ________________more about the ______________
12. I´m gonna be a ___________handyman.
13. This year I´m gonna _____________ my own _____________
14. I´m gonna tithe ______________of my gross pay.
15. This year I´ll ______________ off all my debts.
16. I´m gonna ____________ to school and get my _____________
17. I´m gonna ______________a marathon.
18. I´m goona quit ________________
19. I´m gonna ___________ a daily __________ time. Ok maybe a monthly __________

2009-12-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

2009-12-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

Have you got the Christmas spirit? have a look at these videos from Hallmark and let your feelings flow...
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