trendy words

This is a post that appeared on the Oxford Words Blog that I wanted to share with you. It talks about the word of the year 2013. Which one do you think it is? Have a look at the post and leave your comments on the box.

This image is in honour of  a little girl who likes Dark Vader as well as this kind of pics.

class work

This is the piece of news told today.
enjoy it!

Anything you can do ....

      This is a grammar point we have seen recently that you seem to need a bit of help with.

I have selected these songs, but I want your opinion. So listen to them and express yourselves.

      I would like you to vote the best , but you will have to convince the other readers of this blog.  Even if you don't like them, remember we want to learn, therefore, let's vote for the one that helps you best with this grammar point.

anything you can do, I can do better

anything goes 

I would do anything for love

say something, anything

anything could happen

You got it

Anything but ordinary 

anywhere but here

some more food for thought

Look at this and tell me how you feel about it.

some more help with pronunciation

Prepositions II

I think you may like this

About Thanksgiving ....

Last year I had the honour of getting someone who has enjoyed many celebrations of Thanksgiving Day to write about her experience. Here you have a link to it.

Red letter days

Dear students,

It is an important date in the Anglosaxon world today.

I would like you to do some research.

What day is it today?
Where is it celebrated?
What does it consist of?
And any other things you want to add about it.

Prepositions

It is well known that prepositions are a rather hard task when we study English. Let's see if this can be of any help.

food for thought

 This is something I have seen on Facebook. I would like you to learn the meaning of the title of this post, and then write a composition about your reaction to it. 

one year later ....

I remember how I was in two minds before launching this blog. On the one hand, I was rather shy to do it, I didn't think I could make it possible, but, on the other hand, I felt I had so much to share with you, so many things we didn't have time for in class.

Today  I want to thank the one who encouraged me, helped me with the templates, or was there for me  when I was lost. And then, I want to thank YOU, students, and readers  who make me want to go on,  and find time to share  English stuff with you making it a challenge for you to study, improve on or enjoy this language.

Norah Jones

This is the interview we listened to in class, I hope you like it!

Interview with Norah Jones (from Speak Up magazine)

let´s practice our pronunciation

Now a new school year begins we have lots of good intentions. I hope among these good plans you have, there is some room for  your English pronunciation.

You have a link  to practise some words but ... I would really like you to use the comment box to share  the ones you have problems with.

Back to business

Dear students,
We are slowly getting back to our routine. After crazy June and lazy July and August, I would like to resume our activities on the blog. 
Since the last posts  were about the new skyscrapers in The City in London, I have decided to share this curious piece of news with you. I hope you like it.

The Shard (listening exercise)

And, to finish with "Ordinary Words, No Ordinary Buildings" we are going to listen to the audio that appears in Speak up magazine number 333 track 4 about that building.

In the pic you can see -with a little effort- The Gherkin, The Grater, The Walkie- Talkie and  The Shard.

Answer to these questions from the listening:
  1) In which London neighbourhood can you find The Shard?
  2) Who is Renzo Piano?
  3) Why is it called 'The Shard'?
  4) Although all we can see is glass, what is the centre of this building made of?
  5) Where are the offices located?
  6) What can we find on the top of the offices?
  7) Where in the world can we find most of the Shangri-La Hotels?
  8) Is it possible for people to live in the Shard? Give a full answer.
  9) Why are the viewing galleries so unique for those who visit it?
10) What other important landmarks in the world is The Shard compared with?

take a break

Now that you are revising for your final exams, take a break and listen to this song. You will remember this structure with no effort.

No ordinary buildings (Ordinary Words 2)

London's skyline has sure changed in the last few years with new skyscrapers such as the Gherkin, the Walkie- Talkie, the Cheese Grater or the Shard.

You can enjoy the panoramic view of the last one just  with a click

World Book Day

How do you get on with books?

Today I would like you  to write about the effect books have on you.

Ordinary /wɜːdz/

Do you know the meaning of these words?

Look them up in a good monolingual dictionary and then use your grey matter to find out what they have in common.

Please leave your answers in the comment box.

April fools' Day

This is the article published in Speak up Magazine 331.