Here you'll find interesting things to improve your English: materials used in class, other interesting links with extra information, discussions about topics dealt with in class...and anything you want to add and share with the rest of the students
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Friday, June 5, 2020
Monday, June 1, 2020
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Monday, May 4, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Technology
Activities
UNIT 11 Technology - Answers written in white. Select below to see them
Ex 1: 2 money 3 live 4 plan 5 it 6 to 7 technology
Ex 2: 2 mobile phone 3 iPod 4 MP3 player 5 laptop
6 e-book reader
Ex 3: 2A 3F 4E 5B 6C
Ex 4: 2 Twitter. 3 It’s not charged. 4 A mobile phone and MP3 player. 5 Two. 6 Lots and lots
Ex 5: 2 laptop 3 iPod/phone/computer 4 phone 5 phone/TV 6 phone/computer/Internet
Ex 6: 2 broke 3 devastated 4 turned
5 essential 6 that
Ex 7: b5 c4 d6 e2 f3
2nd Intermediate - Facebook
Watch this video about the origins of Facebook and choose the correct answer:
1. Mark Zuckerberg
a. didn’t finish his degree
b. wasn’t yet 21
c. stars a new film
2. 7 mill … use facebook
a. students
b. colleges
c. people
3. Mark invented facebook in his
a. bedroom
b. dorm room
c. garage
4. On average, students
a. create 18 profiles
b. are 18 years old
c. are connected 18 min a day
5. Facebook makes money from
a. investors of big companies
b. advertisement
c. subscriptions
6. Mark Zuckerberg
a. likes sports
b. lives in Palo alto
c. doesn’t wear suits
7. Millions of Americans want
a. to meet people
b. people to know about them
c. contact
people
Answers: 1a, 2a, 3b, 4c, 5b, 6c, 7b
Intermediate - Technology
Watch the video to learn about some Technology facts.
Are we addicted to technology?
Addiction Vs. Social Evolution from Allan Yong on Vimeo.
Finally, is technology good or bad? Watch and say if the statements below are true or false.
Are we addicted to technology?
Addiction Vs. Social Evolution from Allan Yong on Vimeo.
Finally, is technology good or bad? Watch and say if the statements below are true or false.
1. Writing on paper was a technological advancement
2. We used to find our music away from home
3. She thinks that technology will dominate our future
4. She mentions 2 examples of possible future advancements
5. Technology dependence could affect our knowledge
6. She thinks using technology at work is positive
7. Each of us has to decide if we live to use technology or just use it
8. The modern idea of technology is to accept all the ideas
Is technology good or bad for you?
Answers: 1T, 2T, 3F, 4F, 5T, 6T, 7T, 8T
Monday, April 20, 2020
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
2nd Intermediate - How to write a complaint letter
1. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword
2. You will need the name of the company CEO and a suggested reparation.
3. Step 1. Address your letter to the company CEO
4. Step 2. State the problem and include any backup material.
5. Step 3. Write exactly how the company can keep you as a customer. Wheather it's a refund, store credit or a replacement.
6. Step 4. If you are a long-time customer, say so.
7. Step 5. Use only two or three colourful words.
8. Step 6. Your letter must be short and to the point.
9. Step 7. spellcheck your letter. Avoid mispellings.
10. Step 8. To finish your letter thank them in advance.
REMEMBER: You can see the answers selecting the text.
Vocabulary related to money and shopping
NOUNS: department store, market, farmers market, shopping centre, shop assistant, locally grown/produced products, fresh products, budget, bargain, special offer, discount, shipping costs, refund, compensation, receipt, quality, quantity, a wide variety, cash machine, packaging, price tag, shop window,
VERBS: afford, order over the Internet, complain, return an item, get a refund, go window shopping, pay by card or in cash, pay for sth, pay in instalments, withdraw money, charge a fee for a service, deliver, queue up, try on, buy sth in the sales
ADJECTIVES: Convenient, high/low price, 2 for 1, buy one get one free, in the sales, economical, inexpensive, affordable, pricey
VERBS: afford, order over the Internet, complain, return an item, get a refund, go window shopping, pay by card or in cash, pay for sth, pay in instalments, withdraw money, charge a fee for a service, deliver, queue up, try on, buy sth in the sales
ADJECTIVES: Convenient, high/low price, 2 for 1, buy one get one free, in the sales, economical, inexpensive, affordable, pricey
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
2nd Intermediate - Job interview questions
2nd Intermediate - Work as a volunteer in the Olympic Games
Tired of your routine? Improve your English in London.
Listen and fill in the gaps.
Answers: Select the sentences to see them
Listen and fill in the gaps.
- Ladies and gentlemen of the world and other worlds whomay be listening
- We need volunteers from the UK and from around the world
- If you lack common sense, just relax and watch it on telly
- There will be 3 days of training and then 10 days of working
- You could have to work with a big megaphone shouting to people in a nice way
- It is not glamourous work
- You will not get paid, you'll be given food and water
- You will be part of the greatest show on earth
Answers: Select the sentences to see them
2nd intermediate - The best job in the world
- The campaign started with local advertising
- They are looking for an island babysitter
- They offer a 6 month contract
- The pay is 75,000 dollars
- The chosen person would have to explore the island
- This job was created in order to promote tourism
- The job also involves visiting holiday resorts
- There is a minimum age requirement
- The only problem will be getting rid of tourists
- To apply you have to send a 60 seconds video
- The area is considered the 7th world wonder
- You can send in applications until February 2011
Meet the winner
2nd Intermediate - Poverty and employment
Watch the video and choose the correct option:
Do you need the script?
1. Leila Janah is founder of
a. am NGO
b. a charity organization
c. a company
2. She spent
a. 10 years living in a poor countries
b. 17 years in Ghana
c. some years visiting poor countries
3. Samasource
a. is based on the use of internet
b. was first established in India
c. started working for a firm
4. Samasource
a. is based in San Francisco
b. has branches in San Francisco
c. has no fixed headquarters
5. Samasource collaborates with 16
a. countries
b. companies
c. centres
6. Samasouce began in
a. 2005
b. 2008
c. 2009
7. Samasource helps
a. 1,500 people
b. 1,000,000 people
b. 50,000 women
Answers (select this line to see them): 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7a
Do you need the script?
1. Leila Janah is founder of
a. am NGO
b. a charity organization
c. a company
2. She spent
a. 10 years living in a poor countries
b. 17 years in Ghana
c. some years visiting poor countries
3. Samasource
a. is based on the use of internet
b. was first established in India
c. started working for a firm
4. Samasource
a. is based in San Francisco
b. has branches in San Francisco
c. has no fixed headquarters
5. Samasource collaborates with 16
a. countries
b. companies
c. centres
6. Samasouce began in
a. 2005
b. 2008
c. 2009
7. Samasource helps
a. 1,500 people
b. 1,000,000 people
b. 50,000 women
Answers (select this line to see them): 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7a
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Friday, March 13, 2020
Thursday, March 12, 2020
The smallest flat in London
Watch the video and answer the questions:
- What's the number of the apartment? 8F
- What’s the size of the apartment? 10’4’’ x 8’4’’ (=3’14m x 2,54m)
- What are its good qualities? Unusual, unique, high ceiling, location, natural light
- What’s the price? $280000
- Why is it so expensive? Next to Harrods
- How many people have seen it? 100 viewers – 12 offers
- Who wants to buy it? Investor from Greece
2nd Intermediate - Rent a house
Watch the video and choose the correct option
1. The house was built in
a. 2005
b. 2006
c. 2007
2. The dining room is
a. in the centre of the house
b. on the ground floor
c. next to the kitchen
3. The porch is
a. accessible from the dining room
b. matches the living room
c. enclosed by windows
4. The kitchen was inspired by
a. a friend’s home
b. a country house
c. a trip
5. The library transmits
a. a domestic feeling
b. a refined atmosphere
c. an artistic taste
6. The lower level includes
a. a dancing room
b. a bathroom with spa
c. a bar
7. Outside there is
a. a barbecue outside
b. a private dock
c. a seawater pool
Answers written in white select this line to see them: 1b 2a 3a 4c 5b 6a 7b
Bill Gates's home
Watch this video of Bill Gates's house and answer the questions below.
1. Bill Gates's house design is
a-typical of the area
b-typical of the US
c-typical of warmer countries
2. The house includes innovations which
a-you can find in many houses now
b-you will find in houses in the future
c-you could find in houses in the future
3. The house is placed on a hill
a-to save energy
b-because of the views
c-to save energy and because of the views
4. The house is made of
a-recycled wood
b-recycled glass
c-recycled stone
5. On the west you can see
a-a river
b-a forest
c-some mountains
6. A special pin
a-controls the electronic services of the house
b-helps to locate a person in the house
c-is used to identify the tastes of its wearer
7. When someone calls
a-all the phones in the house ring
b-the house lets you know
c-only you hear the phone
8. The living space areas
a-are large
b-are modest
c-are medium-sized
9. There is a large video screen
a-in every room
b-in the library
c-in one of the pavilions
Answers written in white. Select the following text to see them: 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6c, 7c, 8b, 9c
1. Bill Gates's house design is
a-typical of the area
b-typical of the US
c-typical of warmer countries
2. The house includes innovations which
a-you can find in many houses now
b-you will find in houses in the future
c-you could find in houses in the future
3. The house is placed on a hill
a-to save energy
b-because of the views
c-to save energy and because of the views
4. The house is made of
a-recycled wood
b-recycled glass
c-recycled stone
5. On the west you can see
a-a river
b-a forest
c-some mountains
6. A special pin
a-controls the electronic services of the house
b-helps to locate a person in the house
c-is used to identify the tastes of its wearer
7. When someone calls
a-all the phones in the house ring
b-the house lets you know
c-only you hear the phone
8. The living space areas
a-are large
b-are modest
c-are medium-sized
9. There is a large video screen
a-in every room
b-in the library
c-in one of the pavilions
Answers written in white. Select the following text to see them: 1a, 2c, 3a, 4a, 5c, 6c, 7c, 8b, 9c
2nd Intermediate - Looking for a place to live?
Watch the video and fill in the gaps:
Leave a comment: Do you feel like moving?
Answers: select the statements to see the words in the blanks.
- The lobby is chic and sophisticated
- The ceilings are 11-12 foot high
- It has almost floor-to-ceiling windows
- It has views over the historical part of Soho
- The kitchen mixes exotic woods and stainless steel
- There's radiant heating in the master bathroom
- There's a 24h doorman
- In the gym you can train with your personal trainer
Leave a comment: Do you feel like moving?
Answers: select the statements to see the words in the blanks.
Urban life vs. Surburban life
Watch this video and do the activities
Write about the city and the countryside
Advantages and disadvantages of living in the city or the countryside (listen)
Discussion questions
Write about the city and the countryside
Advantages and disadvantages of living in the city or the countryside (listen)
Discussion questions
Cities and homes of the future
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Monday, March 9, 2020
EDUCATION - mediation tasks
How to choose an English course abroad
How to choose extracurricular activities for a child
How to prepare for a state exam
Production
Speak about the importance of education - 3 things
The most useful things you’ve learned
- Ask about events and activities organised by the school
- Consider accommodation options
- Choose an interesting location
- What do you get for your money?
- Class size is important
How to choose extracurricular activities for a child
- Promote natural talents and interests
- Don't make him join too many activities
- Team sports are always a good option
- Listen to your child
- Take into account the time it will take
How to prepare for a state exam
- Take regular practice tests
- Be realistic
- Make summaries
- Organise and plan your time
- Find a study partner
Production
Speak about the importance of education - 3 things
The most useful things you’ve learned
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
2nd conditional to speak about results
Use a 2nd conditional to speak about results
Example. Cooking and housework should be taught at school
If students were taught cooking at school, they would be more prepared to live alone.
Example. Cooking and housework should be taught at school
If students were taught cooking at school, they would be more prepared to live alone.
- Physical education should be optional
- School summer holidays should be shorter
- English lessons should focus more on speaking and writing
- Homework should be forbidden
- Parents should be fined if their children skip class
- Driving lessons should be included as an extracurricular activity
- Classrooms should have fewer students
Education questions
- Do you know anyone who was expelled? Why?
- Were you ever punished at school? Why? How?
- What’s the most difficult exam you’ve ever passed?
- How do people cheat in exams? And in the past? Cheat note
- Do you revise the day before an exam?
- What was your first day of school like?
- Who was your favourite teacher?
- When was the last time you did an exam?
- Who has been your worst teacher?
- Do you know anyone who skipped class?
- What’s the last course you have taken?
- When was the last time you had to make a presentation?
Schools now and then
Complete
PAST
|
NOW
|
The
classroom had a maximum of ___
Discipline
in schools was ___
They
had slates or inkwells for ___
|
___
share a classroom
Children
have lunch in the ___
Classes
are much ___
|
Teachers
had to have ___
There
was only one teacher for all their ___
After
school children had to help ___
|
Students
have much more ___
Teaching
has a better ___
___
teach different subjects
|
Not
all ___were taught to all pupils
|
Teachers
have to follow a ___
|
Answers: 100 pupils, strict, writing, second jobs, studies, work in the fields/chores/help parents, subjects,
boys and girls, cafeteria, smaller, free time, reputation, different teachers, curriculum
Education vocabulary
NOUNS
Fees, grant,
state school, boarding school, uniform, discipline, results, extracurricular
activities, primary, secondary, timetable,
subjects, compulsory education, nursery school, certificate, degree, vocational
training studies, break time, canteen, entrance exams, single-sex school, distance learning, face-to-face classes, intensive course, teacher's pet, swot, bully
ADJECTIVES
strict, lenient, friendly, encouraging, inspiring, useful, useless,
VERBS
enroll, register, take an exam, sit an exam, fail, pass, attend class, get detention, be expelled, learn things by heart, play truant or skip class, do/take a course, graduate from university, to swot or cram for an exam, be good at, bully
PHRASAL VERBS
drop out, take up, carry on, get on with, hand in
2nd Intermediate - Private vs State education
Careful! In the UK public schools are PRIVATE SCHOOLS!
TRUE OR FALSE
Answers: 1T, 2T, 3F, 4T, 6F, 6F
Watch a debate about this topic (also in the US)
Do you agree with all these people?
TRUE OR FALSE
- Parents worry about money when choosing a school
- Private schools have fewer students per class
- Students with special needs receive more attention
- The curriculum of many schools includes technology
- All private schools have sport facilities
- 30% of students in each school receive financial aid
Answers: 1T, 2T, 3F, 4T, 6F, 6F
Watch a debate about this topic (also in the US)
Do you agree with all these people?
2nd Intermediate - A public school in China
Watch the video and decide if the following statements are true or false:
Wellington College
- Wellington college has been working for years
- Most pupils are foreigners
- Parents must pay more than 15,000 euros a year
- The Chinese state system is strict
- Some Chinese students have been allowed to enroll in the sixth form
- Britain is a desired destination for Chinese university students
- Student visas in Britain have always been hard to get
- Chinese life has been based on hard work and little leisure time
Monday, February 24, 2020
Auxiliary verbs
Present simple
|
Do/does
|
He doesn’t live here
|
Present continuous
|
Am/ is/ are
|
He is studying
|
Past simple
|
Did
|
Did you call him?
|
Past continuous
|
Was were
|
I wasn’t listening
|
Present perfect
|
Have/has
|
I’ve known him for a year
|
Past perfect
|
Had
|
She had already been here
|
Future
|
Will
|
Will you come to class with me?
|
Conditional
|
Would/would have
|
We would go with you if we could
|
Modals
-permission and possibility
-ability
-obligation and
prohibition
-logical deduction
-suggestion
|
Can, could, may, might
Can, could
must, have to, need, can’t
Must, can’t
Should, ought to
|
You can call me some time
I could read when I was 3
You must do your homework
You can’t copy in the exam
We should watch films in English
|
Find exercises in the grammar section on the right.
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