my way to English

Steve's story - narrative tenses in the past

2015-02-02T10:15:00.003-08:00

Steve had a very stressful time trying to get to his exam on time. When he woke up, he was shocked to find he had overslept. He had been studying the night before and had not gone to bed until 3 a.m. He got up really quickly and went to the bus stop. He waited for a while, but the bus didn’t come so he got a taxi. Unfortunately, the traffic was terrible and they got stuck in a traffic jam. Steve decided to walk but when he looked for his wallet to pay the driver, he realised he had left it at home. The taxi driver was shouting at him, but he got out of the taxi and ran to the college. When he arrived at the college, the exam had already started and the other students were all writing. Steve had only written half a page when the invigilator told them to stop.

How many different pasts can you find in this short anecdote?

Try and write a similar short anecdote like this that happened to you.

Gerunds & Infinitives

2015-01-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

It's about time we started looking at some new grammar aspects. We're going to start with a selection of verbs that are followed either by a gerund or an infinitive. Click on the icon to see the list.

Then we have some verbs that have one meaning when they are followed by a gerund and a different one if an infinitive follows. This is a presentation explaining each case.

And finally, here is a video of Jennifer explaining the use of Gerunds and Infinitives. It's a very clear explanation with examples, though rather slow. Just in case you didn't come to class the day we saw this.

Country and city life

2015-01-13T00:48:00.006-08:00

Living in the city versus country from Orven Bregu

Stages in life

2014-12-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

This is the presentation we used in class to talk about life. It includes the structures and vocabulary that Emmi used in her own speech. What I recommend is that you write an overview of your life, just as Emmi did, so as to make sure you integrate all the new words and structures in your everyday speech. This way they will come easily to your mind when you need them!

Money, money, money by ABBA

2014-11-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Listen to this song and complete the gaps in the worksheet.

Westfield shopping centre

2014-11-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

A trip to India - a listening

2014-11-07T03:10:00.002-08:00

This is a very good example of the type of interaction you may have to perform in the oral exam. So take your time to listen to it carefully and read the script. Following it as a way of example, and using the prompts given in the "Real World" section in the following up exercise, you will be asked to role play a similar conversation in class.

Brands in English

2014-10-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

LISTENING "ACCIDENTS" , pg. 109

2014-05-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS- FREE TIME

2014-01-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

Click here to download the doc

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

2014-01-14T03:06:00.000-08:00

In unit 4, section Grammar: Duration, the present perfect continuous is mentioned and a few examples given. For a more thorough,detailed explanation and practice exercises, download this pdf file and print it out.

CLICK HERE TO START DOWNLOADING

Next, you can check the Grammar Challenge from the BBC and take the quizzes they suggest. CLICK ON THE IMAGE

PRONUNCIATION: CONNECTED SPEECH

2014-01-14T02:55:00.003-08:00

The BBC Learning English website has a good pronunciation section, where you can find a page about one of the most important features of spoken English: connected speech. You can find a reference to this in unit 4 page 26 of the Outcomes textbook.

They analize different features of connected speech and give examples. You can download the text and the audio together with the examples.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE: TRAVEL,JOURNEY,TRIP,CRUISE...?

2014-01-08T02:24:00.002-08:00

Check what the BBC says about these travel-related words. Click on the cartoon.

Top five regrets of the dying

2013-12-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

What do you think will wish had been different in your life when you see your life coming to an end? Apparently, most of the dying regret similar things. Read this article by a palliative care nurse and find out what they are.

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Some study tips

2013-12-09T09:23:00.001-08:00

Read this website with tips for studying English. Which of those things do you do regularly? Would you like to share any your tips?

top tips for learning English

WATCH "FRIENDS" AND PRACTISE CONDITIONALS

2013-11-29T03:28:00.000-08:00

To watch Friends season 6 episode 15 "The One that Could Have Been", click here.
You will need to find a video link that works and follow instructions. Select "Internet links" and then "You Tube". Then click on "Watch as a free user". Good luck!!

SCRIPT: http://www.livesinabox.com/friends/season6/615maybe.htm

WISHES, REGRETS AND CONDITIONALS

2013-11-29T03:14:00.000-08:00

To download this grammar exercise sheet, click HERE

Speaking exam cards to practice

2013-06-10T08:17:00.003-07:00

INTERACTION SPEAKING PRACTICE I

INTERACTION SPEAKING PRACTICE II

Speaking exam - presentation sample

2013-06-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

We have these videos by Paul, a friend of Begoña's who lives in Delaware, USA. In Part 1 he tells us about his views on what to look for when considering buying a house in the States. In the second video he provides a comprehensive description of his own house. Perfect to revise your vocabulary and as an example for the speaking exam.

Thanks Begoña & Paul!

Paul talking about Houses Part 1

Paul talking about Houses Part 2

Last minute listening key

2013-06-04T16:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

Well, I owed you the solutions for the last few listenings I had posted, and here they are (as the saying goes... better late than never):

Track 2: 1D   2A   3G   4H   5B
Track 17: 1B   2D   3H   4F   5C
Track 14: 1G 2C   3H   4D   5F
Track 26: 1E 2H   3C   4D   5A
Track 20: 1D   2C   3B   4F   5H
Track 27: 1A   2C   3C   4B   5C

Articles - How to write them

2013-05-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

What is AN ARTICLE?
An article...
• ... is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or journal, website or blog.
• ... is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’ attention
• ... may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions
• ... can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience
• ... should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
• ... should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts
• ... is in a less formal style than a report

An article can...
• ... describe an experience, event, person or place
• ... present an opinion or balanced argument
• ... compare and contrast
• ... provide information
• ... offer suggestions
• ... offer advice

A realistic article should consist of...

1. an eye-catching title which attracts the readers’ attention and suggests the theme of the article. (Think about why you read a magazine or newspaper article recently - what made you read it?) Articles can also have subheadings before each paragraph.

2. an introduction which clearly defines the topic to be covered and keeps the reader’s attention. It could even be a question as in sample A, to get the reader involved.

3. the main body of two to five paragraphs in which the topic is further developed in detail.

4. the conclusion - summarising the topic or a final opinion, recommendation or comment.

Sample A

Playa Papagayo: a dream location (1 title)

Do you want to know one of the best beaches in Spain? Come to Lanzarote. In the National Park of Los Ajaches you can find one of the finest beaches in Europe. You can easily access the beach either by car or sailing. (2 introduction)

There are several reasons why this beach will surprise you once you get there. First of all, you'll be delighted by the spectacular views from the top of the dunes. Crystal clear lukewarm waters, where you can safely swim or dive and be surrounded by colourful fish. (3 developing your ideas)

Then, the fine sand will cover you feet and you'll be able to lie and sunbathe very close to the sea with almost no waves. And, finally if you are hungry or thirsty you can climb up the dunes and sit on a terrace contemplating the impressive views while having a cool beer, a great Mojito or some delicious fish dish to munch on. (4 developing your ideas)

What are you waiting for? Come to Papagayo beach, in my opinion one of the nicest beaches in Europe where you can enjoy the nice weather, the great views of the sea, and the lovely food and drinks and a lively atmosphere.(5 opinion)

Sample B

Some more things to bear in mind:

• Where is the article going to appear?  (In a magazine.)

• Who are the intended readers?  (Probably a fairly wide age group.)

• What is the aim of the article?  (To talk about your experiences, good and bad, while studying abroad)

Have you studied abroad?

Have you spent time studying in another country? We
invite you, our readers, to submit an article on your

experiences in that country, to be included in our
forthcoming series on living and studying abroad.
Share your experiences with us. Tell us what you
studied and about any difficulties you faced while

you were there. Have you changed as a result of this?

LEARNING ABOUT LIFE

Studying abroad is an exciting experience, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the

traditions and culture of the host country and its people. Apart from the excellent education I

received during three years in England, I also made a wide circle of friends and improved my

language skills. I learned how to face and deal with various problems, and as a result, have

become more independent and self-confident.

I studied English Literature and this, along with making many friends both at university and

through the part-time job I had, helped improve my English. Although I already spoke the

language quite well, when I first arrived I had trouble understanding some accents and the

slang or colloquialisms that are in everyday use. Now I am a much more fluent and natural

speaker, and my writing has improved, too.

The biggest problems I faced were finding somewhere to live when I did not know the area

well, getting the electricity and phone connected and generally learning to look after myself.

I had to get used to shopping, cooking and doing the housework, as well as studying and

working, so I quickly mastered the art of planning my time sensibly. Although adapting to

living in a new country is not easy, once the initial homesickness and missing the family has

been overcome, learning to fend for yourself certainly makes you a more independent person,

and definitely more self-confident. My time abroad helped me grow as a person and I feel I

could tackle any problem now in a calm and confident manner,

without having to immediately ask someone for their help.

Bits & pieces

Read the following paragraphs...

... on reading.

Curling up with a good book and reading for pleasure or relaxation is less common now than it used to be. Increasingly, people are using electronic books on their home computers. There is endless choice and it saves on the expense of buying that new book you so want to read by your favourite author. This trend, though, adds a whole new dimension to reading just a few chapters before you go to sleep, snuggled up under your duvet. Difficult with a computer!

In the preceding paragraph, the topic - reading - is stated in the first sentence and informs the reader exactly what the whole paragraph is going to continue to discuss.

... on technologies.

Today, it is a science fact that technology has advanced to the point where anything is possible. Used as a means of increasing productivity, many factories are switching to automation - R2D2 does not require holidays, a bigger office, sick pay, a pension, and, most importantly, he does not go on strike.

... on eco-friendly houses.

Although initially building a subterranean home is more expensive than a conventional home, in the long run it can save the owner a great deal of money in heating and air-conditioning costs. These homes require much less energy, as the temperature of soil is relatively stable and concrete walls store the heat, but keep the place warm at night.

Listening exam training

2013-05-28T18:53:00.002-07:00

These are a series of listenings so you can have a bit more of guided training for the exam. We will work on some of them in class this week, as long as time allows.

They are organised in the same order as the tasks in the copy I gave you in class.

Track 2

Track 17

Track 14

Track 26

Track 20

Track 27

Speaking Exam tips & facts

2013-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Ready for your oral exams? Well, you'd better be, since they're just round the corner! I'd like to give you a few tips, though nothing new for you, really.

Well, the first thing is about your nerves.The less nervous you are the better you will perform, so do whatever you need to do to stay as calm as possible, breath in and off you go!

You will pick ONE CARD ONLY, both for presentation and interaction, so there's no choice really, as there used to be.

You will have around 15 minutes to prepare both tasks, while the previous couple is doing the exam. You can take notes, as a way of outline, but don't write long sentences. This way you won't be tempted to keep looking at your notes searching for that wonderful structure you came up with.

You are supposed to give a continuous coherent speech, linking one idea with the following (cohesion), by using a variety of structures and connectors. So the questions or prompts that you find on the cards are to be used as a guide. Of course, you can add ideas of your own, as long as you stick to the topic.

Control your timing, as it will help you produce a coherent speech. Ideally you will provide some sentence as an introduction, then you will refer to the topic for a couple of minutes or a bit more, and then conclude. However, if your nerves just make you forget about all this, don't panick! You can still pass the exam anyway. You will speak for 3 minutes on your own.

As regards your interaction task, a key point is to respond to your partner's interventions as naturally as you would in real communication (of course I agree that it is quite artificial anyway), so remember to use question tags, and sentence fillers such as you know, like I said, really?, sounds great, wow!, no way!, and so on.

Well, and I think that's about it! Good luck when picking your cards!

And remember to STAY COOL & CALM!

Getting ready for your final exams

2013-05-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, well! Here we are already, can you believe it? It has definitely been a great year, and so will your results be.
Be sure that you'll do your best, so please please, leave your nerves at home. The moment you close your front door behind you to come to the exam next Wednesday, just allow yourself to THINK POSITIVE.

There are a few things I would like to remind you:

You can only write in BLACK or BLUE ink. No other colours allowed.

No pencil. At least neither in the ANSWER GRIDS nor in the WRITING.

Any kind of gadgetry forbidden on tables. ESPECIALLY MOBILES

So if you need a watch to check on your timing, remember to bring it from home.

Only ONE WRITING TASK. No choice, sorry!
So revise all text type formats.

Only ONE CARD for presentation and ONE CARD for interaction.
So you need to have a good command of all the topics.

And I think that's about it.

I wish you all the best luck!!!

Dirt and germs for kids?

2013-05-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is the video that we saw in class from a TV talk show. You have to download it to watch again.

Download video

Download key