AULD LANG SYNE

Auld Lang Syne is considered the New Year Anthem of the English-speaking world. It was actually a poem written by the Scottish Robert Burns. Now sing alone, I'm sure you are a better singer than I am :-(



And here's a beautiful version by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis. Click on 'más información' to get the lyrics and enjoy it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Any New Year's Resolutions? Here's a link on the top ten New Year's Resolutions. What about you? Mine is included in the list!

Do you want to know what New Year's Eve is like in London? Watch this video and find out.

SPORTS, SPORTS, SPORTS!!!!!

Here's more practice on sports. Click on the link and follow the instructions. It's an interactive audio quiz which will test your listening skills.

THE QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

If you want to listen to Queen Elizabeth II delivering her Christmas message, click on this link. I'm sure you are gonna like it because of her accent! What are the topics raised? Write your answers in the comments section.

LITTLE BRITAIN: Baby Jesus

Here's another one, I can't stop myself. Hope you like it!



What a kerfuffle!

Kissing under the mistletoe

Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary and, of course, the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. As you may well know a man has to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, finds herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. Watch this sketch and see what happens.

Here's one for carol singers... JINGLE BELL ROCK

FORMAL OR INFORMAL?

Try your hand with this activity.

WATCH THE NEWS REGULARLY!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ENGLISH?

LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

CHRISTMAS POLL

What would you like to do in our last session before Xmas? Something Christmassy? Then, use any of the structures below and write down your suggestions in the comment section:


Structures

- I'd rather... Use the base form the verb without 'to' with 'rather'
- I'd prefer... Use the '-ing' form following the verb 'prefer'
- If it were up to me, I'd... Use the second conditional form followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'
- I think we should... Use the base form the verb without 'to' following the modal form 'should'
- Why don't we...? Use the base form of the verb in a question
- Let's go ... Use the base form of the verb with 'let's'
- How about...? Use the '-ing' form of the verb after a preposition - here 'about'
- If I had to choose....
- I prefer ...
- I think I would say...


And here's a link where you can learn more vocabulary about Christmas.

BBC: Penguins

Watch this ad, what do you reckon? you may recognise some of the words studied in class. Write your comments on the 'Comments' section.

Can you spot the accent?

Go to this link and participate in the game. You have to guess the accent of different people. You can't miss the Spanish one. Have fun and good luck!

Infinitive or Gerund?

Test your knowledge of gerund and infinitive forms with these two interactive quizzes:

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Link 5
Link 6
Link 7
Link 8

Hey diddle, diddle

Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon,
The little dog laughed to see such sport,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Here's the Sesame Street version we watched in class:

This is also HEARTWARMING!

Absolutely incredible!
Watch this video: 'The king of the jungle must have a soft side after all', as the tv presenter says.

Christian the Lion

Here's the video we watched in class. There are more versions though. This will make you cry your eyes out!

THANKSGIVING

Thursday, 27th November 2008: It's THANKSGIVING DAY!

This is a good link for you to know more about this popular celebration.

Friday, 28th November 2008: It's BLACK FRIDAY. If you want to know more about it, click on this link.

PETER PIPER

KELSEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Do you want to know about Grammar Schools? Then, watch this video and....



crack up laughing! :-)

NB. I just love Little Britain

QUEEN ETHELBURGAR'S SCHOOL

LEAD-IN

1. How many types of schools in England do you know?

For further information go to this website.

Now watch this video:



QUESTIONS

Listening for gist:

1. What levels are taught at Queen Ethelburgar’s School?

Listening for specific information. Answer the following questions:
1. What’s the school’s slogan?
2. Where is the hall?
3. Who lived once in the Hall?
4. What can you find within the hall?
5. What’s the major aim of Chapter House?
6. What are the activities carried out in the swimming pool?
7. How is Maths taught?

FOLLOW-UP
If you want to know more about this school, watch this video and check the school’s webpage

WORD-FORMATION & ADJECTIVES ED/ING

These links might help you with WORD-FORMATION. So let's get down to work!

LINK 1

LINK 2

LINK 3

LINK 4

Hope you find it useful.

SCHOOL DAY TOUR

Here's a link where you can find out more about a typical school day in the UK. In this webpage you will find a worksheet for you to answer the questions (they are very easy). But still I found this link quite interesting.

PRONUNCIATION

Hi there,

Here's a good link for you to brush up on your pronunciation. It covers from vowels and consonants to stress and intonation.
Well it's also great for you to revise tons of other things.

Hope you like it :-)

HOMEWORD DUE TODAY!

PROCRASTINATION

This is quite a funny take on something almost everyone knows from first hand experience … but I better stop surfing and blogging now, so I can get my stuff done!



NB. ...... I've got to get my stuff done! and so do you!

JOB HUNTING

LEAD-IN

1. What is the way to find a job?
2. Do you know what a 'cover letter' is?
3. What is a 'reference letter' for?

WHILE-LISTENING

Watch the following video; it's actually a presentation on how to find a job.



Now, answer these questions:

1. According to the video, we also have to decide on what we want to learn. What does this imply?
2. Where can you find people who are already in that career?
3. What's the aim of 'a cover letter'?
4. If you are not picked for a job, what should you do?


FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY:

Simply hand in your assingment on time!

IT'S REMEMBRANCE DAY!

Remembrance day is on 11th November. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts. People wear a red poppy in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the wars.

WRITING

Hi there,

I've just added a new link (on the right: Talking people) which might be helpful when doing your writings. There are also other links for you to practise other aspects of the language.

RECOMMENDED READING

Dear All,

I just want to confirm that this year's book is Frozen Pizza and Other Slices of Life by Antoinette Moses. It's a Cambridge book. I'll devote at least one session to give you a helping hand.

GUY FAWKES DAY!

November 5th marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605, the day set for the king to open Parliament. The anniversary was named after Guy Fawkes, the most famous of the conspirators.
The story is remembered each 5th November when 'Guys' are burned in a celebration known as 'Bonfire Night'.

Pronunciation

Having problems with the -th- sound, as in 'something'? Well, then these videos will be of great help.
video 1
video 2
video 3: this video will show you the difference between -th- sound which is voiceless and its voiced counterpart.

IS STING A WORKAHOLIC?

Watch this video and answer the questions below:

1. How many homes does Sting have?
2. Where's the house where th interview is held?
3. What kind of life does that home reveal?
4. What's his daily routine?
5. According to the interviewer, what kind of life does Sting lead?
6. Is Sting a workaholic?

Obama Undertakes Presidential Internship

Here's a video Anton told me about. Watch it and answer the questions:


Obama Undertakes Presidential Internship To Ease Concerns About His Lack Of Experience

QUESTIONS:

1.Why has Obama participated in a presidential internship?
2. What's Obama's biggest weakness according to voters?
3. When will he ready to lead the US?
4. What has he done during his internship?
5. Has he signed up for an online course?

If you are experiencing problems with the pronunciation link, try this one.

ADJECTIVES: WORD ORDER

Dear All,
Here is a link where you can practise the order of adjectives.
But that's not enough, so here you go, more practice, because, as you all know, PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:
- LINK
- LINK
- LINK
- LINK

Still another song!

Yeah, Frank Sinatra, one of the best singers ever. And his diction is very very clear.

A nice song for a rainy day

Click on the right box (más información) for the lyrics.



[Intro]
Oh yeah yes
La da day, la da day
La da da da da oh

[Verse 1]
Thinkin' how the story goes
You're helpless and I'm wishin'
Put the film inside my mind
But there's a big scene that I'm missin'
As I re-read my lines
I think I said this, I should've said that
Did you edit me out of your mind
'Cos in a flash you had disappeared, gone (gone)
Before the curtain falls
And we act this out again
Maybe I should risk it all and state

[Chorus]
That I'm officially going on the record
To say I'm in love with you
I'm officially everything you hope that I would be
This time I'll tell the truth
I'm officially wrong I know
For letting you go the way I did
Unconditionally more than I ever was before
I'm officially yours
La da day, la da day
La da da da da oh

[Verse 2]
Travellin' down this road again
Gotta make a few decisions
Don't want you to feel this hurt again
That's why I'm hopin' that you'll listen
If you let me press rewind
I'll rehearse every word I should have said
'Cos girl I'm ready to make things right
Here on this stage so we can move on (on)
And before the curtain falls
And we act this out again
Missin' pieces I'll resolve so stay

[Chorus]
I'm officially going on the record
To say I'm in love with you
I'm officially everything you hope that I would be
This time I'll tell the truth
I'm officially wrong I know
For letting you go the way I did
Unconditionally more than I ever was before

[Bridge]
Things I should have said
Like I appreciate the time that I spend with you
Inspire me with the smile I put on your pretty face
My world comes alive, now I know (now I know it babe)
This time I'm not letting go
'Cos I'm officially yours (oh oh)

[Chorus]
Officially everything you hope that I would be
This time I'll tell the truth
I'm officially wrong I know
For letting you go the way I did
Unconditionally more than I ever was before

I'm officially going on the record
To say I'm in love with you
I'm officially everything you hope that I would be
This time I'll tell the truth
I'm officially wrong I know
For letting you go the way I did
Unconditionally more than I ever was before

[Outro]
Girl I'm unconditionally yours (oh yeah)
Officially yours, your man (La da day, la da day, la da day)
Girl I'm unconditionally yours (La da da da da oh)
Officially yours, I am

Girl I'm unconditionally yours (listen what I'm tryna say)
Officially yours, your man (oh oh)
Girl I'm unconditionally yours
Officially yours, I am

HAVE A GOOD LAUGH WITH THIS JOKE

How to wash the cat & clean the toilet at the same time!

Instructions for cleaning the cat & the toilet at the same time.

1. Lift the lid of the toilet and fill with 1/8th cup of animal shampoo
2. Take the cat in your arms and stroke it gently while slowly moving in the direction of the toilet
3. At a suitable moment, throw the cat into the toilet bowl and close the lid quickly. Either stand on or sit on the lid
4. The cat will now start the cleaning process and will generate plenty of foam. Do not be concerned by the loud noises coming from the toilet, your cat is enjoying himself.
5. After several minutes flush the toilet to start the “Power Wash” pre-wash and then flush again for the main wash cycle.
6. Ask someone to open the back door and ensure that no-one is between the toilet and the back door.
7. Get off the toilet seat and from a safe distance, maybe using a broom handle open the toilet lid quickly. The cat will dry of naturally due to the high speed he will be moving from the toilet to the back door.
8. The toilet and the cat are now clean.

With best wishes
The Dog

SONG

Here's a good song. If you want to sing it along , you just have to click on the right box where it says (más información) and you'll get the lyrics. Paco, I hope you like it! Frank Sinatra is on his way!

PRONUNCIATION

Check this poem out:

It will help you improve your pronunciation. You will also realise that there is no one-to-one correspondence between spelling and pronunciation in English.

So give it a try!

What are the French like? (AV1)

Check this link out. At the top of the page you've got the worksheet (LESSON 16 EXERCISES).

Present and Past States (AV1)

PRESENT STATES
1. The coffee ¬¬______________ (taste) bitter.
2. Ring his home number. He ______________ (be) at home now. (I’m sure he’s at home)
3. Tom ______________ (always go) away for weekends and he hardly ever sees his parents.
4. How much ______________ (I owe) you?
5. It’s no use asking Tom; he ______________ (not know).
6. The director ______________ (see) the applicants this morning.
7. ______________ (Bill be) at the club now, do you think?
8. ______________ (it smell) sour?
9. I ______________ (always make) that mistake!
10. A: I can’t find Jude’s new address. B: Ask Tom; he ______________ (know) it.
11. Let’s not go shopping now. The shops ______________ (be) very crowded.
KEYS
1. The coffee tastes bitter.
2. Ring his home number. He’ll be at home now. (I’m sure he’s at home)
3. Tom is always going away for weekends and he hardly ever sees his parents.
4. How much do I owe you?
5. It’s no use asking Tom; he won’t know.
6. The director is seeing the applicants this morning.
7. Will Bill be at the club now, do you think?
8. Does it smell sour?
9. I’m always making that mistake!
10. A: I can’t find Jude’s new address. B: Ask Tom; he’ll know it.
11. Let’s not go shopping now. The shops will be very crowded.
PAST STATES: USED TO / WOULD
1. I used to smoke cigarettes.
2. He used to drink beer.
3. Every time she _____________ (come) home she _____________ (sit) on the couch, drink a cup of tea and talk about her illness.
4. _____________ (you live) abroad?
5. Tom and Ann _____________ (be) a young married couple. Every morning Tom _____________ (kiss) Ann and set off for work. Ann _____________ (stand) at the window and wave goodbye. In the evening she _____________ (welcome) him home and ask him to tell her about his day.



KEYS
1. He used to smoke cigarettes. (WOULD)
2. He used to drink beer. (WOULD)
3. Every time she came home she would sit on the couch, drink a cup of tea and talk about her illness. (USED TO)
4. Did you use to live abroad?
5. Tom and Ann were a young married couple. Every morning Tom used to kiss Ann and set off for work. Ann used to stand at the window and wave goodbye. In the evening she used to welcome him home and ask him to tell her about his day. (WOULD)

UNIT 1 PRESENT HABITS (AV1)

PRESENT HABITS

1. Put the verb in the correct form.

1. I ____________ (always go) to work by car.
2. You ____________ (always watch) television. You should do something more active.
3. John is never satisfied. He ____________ (always complain).
4. The train is never late. It ____________ (always leave) on time.
5. My parents ____________ (live) in Bristol. They were born there and have never lived anywhere else.
6. I used to drink a lot of coffee but these days I ____________ (prefer) tea.
7. Air ____________ (consist) mainly of nitrogen and oxygen.
8. George says he’s 80 but nobody ____________ (believe) him.
9. Who is that man? What ____________ (he want)?
10. ____________ (you see) that man over there?
11. This room ____________ (smell). Let’s open a window.
12. You look serious. What ____________ (you think) about?
13. I ____________ (think) of giving up my job.
14. Ann ____________ (not seem) very happy at the moment.
15. How ____________ (you feel) now?
16. I ____________ (usually go) by train, but this weekend I ____________ (go) by bus. It ____________ (take) longer but it ____________ (cost) less.
17. Mrs Jones: My daughter ____________ (never write) to me so I ____________ (never know) what she ____________ (do). ____________ (Your son write) to you, Mrs Smith?
Mrs Smith: Yes, I ____________ (hear) from him every week. He ____________ (seem) to like writing letters.
18. These apples ____________ (cost) 40p a bag. ____________ (You think) that is expensive? – It ____________ (depend) on the size of the bag.
19. I ____________ (see) my solicitor tomorrow (I’ve arranged it); I ____________ (change) my will. – You ____________ (always change) your will. Why ____________ (you not leave ) it alone?
20. I ____________ (not think) your brother ____________ (enjoy) the party. He ____________ (keep) looking at his watch.

KEYS

1. I always go to work by car.
2. You are always watching television. You should do something more active.
3. John is never satisfied. He is always complaining.
4. The train is never late. It always leaves on time.
5. My parents live in Bristol. They were born there and have never lived anywhere else.
6. I used to drink a lot of coffee but these days I prefer tea.
7. Air consists mainly of nitrogen and oxygen.
8. George says he’s 80 but nobody believes him.
9. Who is that man? What does he want?
10. Do you see that man over there? / Can you see that man over there?
11. This room smells. Let’s open a window.
12. You look serious. What are you thinking about?
13. I’m thinking of giving up my job.
14. Ann doesn’t seem very happy at the moment.
15. How do you feel / are you feeling now? (With the verbs look and feel you can use the present simple or continuous when you say how somebody looks or feels now.
16. I usually go by train, but this weekend I’m going by bus. It takes longer but it costs less.
17. Mrs Jones: My daughter never writes to me so I never know what she’s doing. Does your son write to you, Mrs Smith?
Mrs Smith: Yes, I hear from him every week. He seems to like writing letters.
18. These apples cost 40p a bag. Do you think that is expensive? – It depends on the size of the bag.
19. I’m seeing my solicitor tomorrow (I’ve arranged it); I’m changing my will. – You are always changing your will. Why don’t you leave it alone?
20. I don’t think your brother is enjoying the party. He keeps on looking at his watch.

COUCH POTATO

I'm sure you won't forget what 'couch potato' means, specially if you watch this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBmZ36IgiU

EXERCISE CAR

Life is like a bicycle; to keep your balance you must keep on moving

What Einstein wrote in a letter to his son. Oh, how true!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!

Hi there!

Welcome to my blog! I will regularly post news, thoughts, activities ... relevant to our classes. So keep a close eye on it!