Listen to 25 accents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSLOTbQ6-w8&feature=related
Monday, 2 May 2011
Friday, 29 April 2011
OPEN DISCUSSION
"Higher learning is just an overpriced, speculative investment that typically rewards graduates with dismal career prospects", says billionaire Peter Thiel.
Do you agree/disagree? why/why not?
Do you agree/disagree? why/why not?
Monday, 18 April 2011
Cuts and libraries in UK
Hi,
As well as many other countries, UK is cutting public budgets in national health system, in education system and in public libraries, too. I wonder where's the edge for not to break down the welfare state. In a county of England people took the streets for their libraries. I haven't ever seen that, I recommend you listen their opinions.
As well as many other countries, UK is cutting public budgets in national health system, in education system and in public libraries, too. I wonder where's the edge for not to break down the welfare state. In a county of England people took the streets for their libraries. I haven't ever seen that, I recommend you listen their opinions.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
A taste of the unexpected
Book report
Roald Dahl: A taste of the unexpected. Penguin, 1986
About the author:
As the title suggests, this book is a taste of a whole short stories book named Completely unexpected tales by Roald Dahl. Originally, every short story was published seperately in different books.
Roald Dahl is well known as a children's writer. Just only we can remember Charlie and the chocolate factory, The Twits or Matilda, but Roald Dahl is also an excellent writer of suspense, sinister and twisted tales. This book is a tasting of three dishes: Taste, The Way Up to Heaven and The Landlady.
About the characters:
The characters of Dahl's short stories are always ordinary people in everyday life. In The Way up to heaven, the characters, Mr and Mrs Forster, live in New York City, they are in their seventies, and live in a large house, with four servants, living a routinary life.
In The Landlady, a harmless woman with a kind and generous soul living alone in a little town that is the landlady of a peaceful Bed and breakfast. And Billy, a young boy just landed in this town looking for a lodging.
In The Way up to heaven, Mrs Forster has a pathological fear of missing a train, a boat, a theatre curtain, etc. Mr Forster enjoys tormenting her. If she asked him to hurry up he would walk slowly, pausing halfway to observe the sky or to sniff the cold morning.
About the author style:
Have you ever felt on the edge of patience, like Mrs Forster? And on the edge of madness? Are we like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hide, who had a sweet public face and a hidden one, less friendly, like the kind landlady?
Roald Dahl was able to show us the dark side of the characters, step by step, without saying it directly Like us, they all have other faces, sometimes unknown by themselves. Like this excerpt of Mrs Forster that anticipates the fatal fate of her husband:
“The was something deliberate and purposeful about this action; she had the air of a woman who is off to investigate a rumour or to confirm a suspicion”
Recommendation:
If you like to move to the insignificant to the unexpected in a few pages you would read Roald Dahl. The writer tease the reader and maintain the suspense until until the last sentence. I recommend any of them.
Vocabulary / Other information
Note taht this is an original version and you will find some dificult/unusual adjectives.
conditional practice
What will happen if…..
Do a lot of sport?
Eat too much chocolate?
Forget my birthday?
Drink too much coffee?
Drive fast?
Give me 100$?
It rains tonight?
It’s too cold tonight?
It’s a sunny weekend?
Eat too many calçots?
Work hard?
Cook dinner for me?
Go to bed late tonight?
Forget your homework?
Have enough time?
Go out every night?
Aren’t careful?
Sing a song?
Visit the Caribbean in winter?
Arrive late tomorrow?
Do a lot of sport?
Eat too much chocolate?
Forget my birthday?
Drink too much coffee?
Drive fast?
Give me 100$?
It rains tonight?
It’s too cold tonight?
It’s a sunny weekend?
Eat too many calçots?
Work hard?
Cook dinner for me?
Go to bed late tonight?
Forget your homework?
Have enough time?
Go out every night?
Aren’t careful?
Sing a song?
Visit the Caribbean in winter?
Arrive late tomorrow?
Sunday, 10 April 2011
BOOK REPORT TEMPLATE
BOOK REPORT
TITLE: Taste and other tales
AUTHOR: Roald Dahl
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
TASTE
Some people were invited to have dinner at Mike Schofield's house. One of them, Richard Pratt, had to guess the wine name that the host brought to him. They made a bet: on the one hand, Mr Pratt wanted Mr Schofield to bet him the hand of his daughter in marriage. On the other had, Mr Schofield wanted Mr Pratt to bet him two houses.
Mr Pratt had guessed almost everything about the wine until a servant, who was an old woman and a trusted employee, came to bring him a pair of glasses he had forgotten in the study where Mr Schofield had the wine bottle. Therefore, everybody realised that he had known the wine name all the time.
SWIM
Mr Botibol was travelling by ship in a bad weather. In that ship, there was a competition about who guessed the distance that the ship could make in twenty-four hours. He made an auction thinking that the ship wouldn't run a big distance due to the bad weather. Unfortunately, he was wrong because it changed and he was worried about losing the auction.
He thought that it could be a good idea if he jumped into the sea in order to be rescued and delay the ship. He did it being confident that an old woman who saw him did it would ask for help. But when she told her trainer what she had seen, she wasn't believed.
MRS BIXBY AND THE COLONEL'S COAT
Mrs Bixby was cheating her husband with a man known as the Colonel. Eight years later, the Colonel decided not to continue with the relationship but he gave her a mink coat as a parting present.
She decided to go to a pawnshop with no intention to sell it. He gave her a ticket with no description, it only had a number. She told her husband that she had found that ticket and he offered himself to find it out. The next day, as she was so excited, she went to his husband place of business to pick up her coat. Unfortunately, he gave her a little fur neckpiece because the coat was given to Mr Bixby secretary.
THE WAY UP TO HEAVEN
Mrs Foster had the fear of missing whatever transport she took. Also, her husband increased her anxiety keeping her waiting unnecessarily. One day, she wanted to make a journey to visit her grandchildren and daughter and her husband delayed her departure. Later, because of the weather, she had to go back home and she had to go to the airport again the next day. Her husband delayed her departure again: he told her that he had to go back home to pick up a present for his daughter. Mrs Foster realised that the present was stuck down a car seat. However, she decided not to wait him and the car driver took her to the airport. When she came back home, she didn't find her husband but it seemed that someone had beed stuck in the lift. Who was?
THE SOUND MACHINE
Mr Klausner designed a machine to pick up sound vibrations that were too high for the human ear. One night, he tested it at his garden and he took a pair of earphones. He listened the different sounds while his neighbour was cutting roses from her garden. Suddenly, he heard a terrible scream and he thought it was a rose. The next morning, he went to a park to cut a tree trunk and he could hear another screaming sound. He called for his Doctor to show him what he could ear. But while the Doctor was trying it, a branch fell on the machine and broke it into pieces. But something unthinkable happened: Mr Klausner asked for the Doctor to paint the trunk cut with iodine.
BIRTH AND FATE
Mrs Hitler gave birth a fine son but she was worried about him because none of her other ones lived. She and her husband thought that there was something in their blood that caused the children death. Also, they believed that their children were very small and weak when they were born. She begged God to protect the only child they had: the little Adolf Hitler.
THE LEG OF LAMB
Mrs Maloney was waiting her husband to arrive at home from the police station where he worked as a policeman. When he arrived, he told her that he had decided to leave her. The woman reaction was to kill him with a big frozen leg of lamb. Then, she went to buy some vegetables to cook them and the leg of lamb for dinner. When she came back home, she called to the police station where her husband worked. When the policemen arrived, they asked her and the shopkeeper lots of questions. The conclusion they came to was that she couldn't murder her husband. Then, deliberately, Mrs Maloney invited them to have dinner so they ate the crime weapon.
POISON
When Timber arrived at home, he found Harry sweating terribly on his bed. Harry told him that he had a krait on his stomach and he had covered it with a single sheet. They decided to call to the Doctor and he came immediately with a serum for a krait bite and gave it to Harry. Also, he poured chloroform over his bed. Then, he and Timber pulled back the sheet, lifting it up and away from Harry's body. They realised that there was nothing on his stomach. Also, the Doctor was unsure about if the krait had really been there and he thought that what Timber needed was a good holiday.
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE? (For example: The leg of lamb)
Mrs Maloney was a young pregnant woman who had a smiling quality, her skin had a wonderful clearness and her mouth was soft as her large eyes.
She was very pleasant with her husband but her pride and coldness made her to murder him. Also, she was very clever and a very good actress because the policemen didn't suspect that she was able to commit the crime.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
The story took place in Mr and Mrs Maloney house. When the murder happened, it wasn't six o'clock in the afternoon yet.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I recomend this book to other students because it has eight different entertaining stories and the characters have an unexpected behaviours. All of this stories have different ways to get hooked on them.
VOCABULARY:
"Taste" Story
- To bet
- Epicure
- Mouthful
- To swallow
"Swim" Story
- Guess
- Auction
- Rough
- Hammer
- Purser
- Anger
- To save on
"Mrs Bixby And The Colonel's Coat" Story
- String
- Lid
- Fur
- Mink
- Pawnbroker
- To untie
- Ring
- Wrist
- To rush over
"The way up to heaven" Story
- Dustsheet
- Butler
- Wage
- Wrap
- Receiver
"The sound machine" Story
- Hut
- Wire
- Handle
- Fence
- Stem
- Bush
- Axe
- Upset
- Wound
"The leg of lamb" Story
- Bucket
- Steel
- Punishment
- Can
- Shopkeeper
- Fingerprints
- Relief
"Birth and fate" Story
- Sheet
- Bury
"Poison" Story
- To sweat
- Krait
- Forehead
- Ceiling
- To spread out
- Lung
- To pour over
TITLE: Taste and other tales
AUTHOR: Roald Dahl
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
TASTE
Some people were invited to have dinner at Mike Schofield's house. One of them, Richard Pratt, had to guess the wine name that the host brought to him. They made a bet: on the one hand, Mr Pratt wanted Mr Schofield to bet him the hand of his daughter in marriage. On the other had, Mr Schofield wanted Mr Pratt to bet him two houses.
Mr Pratt had guessed almost everything about the wine until a servant, who was an old woman and a trusted employee, came to bring him a pair of glasses he had forgotten in the study where Mr Schofield had the wine bottle. Therefore, everybody realised that he had known the wine name all the time.
SWIM
Mr Botibol was travelling by ship in a bad weather. In that ship, there was a competition about who guessed the distance that the ship could make in twenty-four hours. He made an auction thinking that the ship wouldn't run a big distance due to the bad weather. Unfortunately, he was wrong because it changed and he was worried about losing the auction.
He thought that it could be a good idea if he jumped into the sea in order to be rescued and delay the ship. He did it being confident that an old woman who saw him did it would ask for help. But when she told her trainer what she had seen, she wasn't believed.
MRS BIXBY AND THE COLONEL'S COAT
Mrs Bixby was cheating her husband with a man known as the Colonel. Eight years later, the Colonel decided not to continue with the relationship but he gave her a mink coat as a parting present.
She decided to go to a pawnshop with no intention to sell it. He gave her a ticket with no description, it only had a number. She told her husband that she had found that ticket and he offered himself to find it out. The next day, as she was so excited, she went to his husband place of business to pick up her coat. Unfortunately, he gave her a little fur neckpiece because the coat was given to Mr Bixby secretary.
THE WAY UP TO HEAVEN
Mrs Foster had the fear of missing whatever transport she took. Also, her husband increased her anxiety keeping her waiting unnecessarily. One day, she wanted to make a journey to visit her grandchildren and daughter and her husband delayed her departure. Later, because of the weather, she had to go back home and she had to go to the airport again the next day. Her husband delayed her departure again: he told her that he had to go back home to pick up a present for his daughter. Mrs Foster realised that the present was stuck down a car seat. However, she decided not to wait him and the car driver took her to the airport. When she came back home, she didn't find her husband but it seemed that someone had beed stuck in the lift. Who was?
THE SOUND MACHINE
Mr Klausner designed a machine to pick up sound vibrations that were too high for the human ear. One night, he tested it at his garden and he took a pair of earphones. He listened the different sounds while his neighbour was cutting roses from her garden. Suddenly, he heard a terrible scream and he thought it was a rose. The next morning, he went to a park to cut a tree trunk and he could hear another screaming sound. He called for his Doctor to show him what he could ear. But while the Doctor was trying it, a branch fell on the machine and broke it into pieces. But something unthinkable happened: Mr Klausner asked for the Doctor to paint the trunk cut with iodine.
BIRTH AND FATE
Mrs Hitler gave birth a fine son but she was worried about him because none of her other ones lived. She and her husband thought that there was something in their blood that caused the children death. Also, they believed that their children were very small and weak when they were born. She begged God to protect the only child they had: the little Adolf Hitler.
THE LEG OF LAMB
Mrs Maloney was waiting her husband to arrive at home from the police station where he worked as a policeman. When he arrived, he told her that he had decided to leave her. The woman reaction was to kill him with a big frozen leg of lamb. Then, she went to buy some vegetables to cook them and the leg of lamb for dinner. When she came back home, she called to the police station where her husband worked. When the policemen arrived, they asked her and the shopkeeper lots of questions. The conclusion they came to was that she couldn't murder her husband. Then, deliberately, Mrs Maloney invited them to have dinner so they ate the crime weapon.
POISON
When Timber arrived at home, he found Harry sweating terribly on his bed. Harry told him that he had a krait on his stomach and he had covered it with a single sheet. They decided to call to the Doctor and he came immediately with a serum for a krait bite and gave it to Harry. Also, he poured chloroform over his bed. Then, he and Timber pulled back the sheet, lifting it up and away from Harry's body. They realised that there was nothing on his stomach. Also, the Doctor was unsure about if the krait had really been there and he thought that what Timber needed was a good holiday.
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE? (For example: The leg of lamb)
Mrs Maloney was a young pregnant woman who had a smiling quality, her skin had a wonderful clearness and her mouth was soft as her large eyes.
She was very pleasant with her husband but her pride and coldness made her to murder him. Also, she was very clever and a very good actress because the policemen didn't suspect that she was able to commit the crime.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
The story took place in Mr and Mrs Maloney house. When the murder happened, it wasn't six o'clock in the afternoon yet.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I recomend this book to other students because it has eight different entertaining stories and the characters have an unexpected behaviours. All of this stories have different ways to get hooked on them.
VOCABULARY:
"Taste" Story
- To bet
- Epicure
- Mouthful
- To swallow
"Swim" Story
- Guess
- Auction
- Rough
- Hammer
- Purser
- Anger
- To save on
"Mrs Bixby And The Colonel's Coat" Story
- String
- Lid
- Fur
- Mink
- Pawnbroker
- To untie
- Ring
- Wrist
- To rush over
"The way up to heaven" Story
- Dustsheet
- Butler
- Wage
- Wrap
- Receiver
"The sound machine" Story
- Hut
- Wire
- Handle
- Fence
- Stem
- Bush
- Axe
- Upset
- Wound
"The leg of lamb" Story
- Bucket
- Steel
- Punishment
- Can
- Shopkeeper
- Fingerprints
- Relief
"Birth and fate" Story
- Sheet
- Bury
"Poison" Story
- To sweat
- Krait
- Forehead
- Ceiling
- To spread out
- Lung
- To pour over
Friday, 8 April 2011
Book Report Template
BOOK REPORT TEMPLATE
TITLE: ROBINSON CRUSOE
AUTHOR: DANIEL DEFOE
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
It’s a novel of action and adventures. The book describes the situations in which passes a brave sailor for all his life.It explains his beginnings as a sailor. Then, explains how, during one of his trips, it was wrecked on an island,it tells how he had to survive, learned to do new things, found out about many things, feelings and emotions.
And most of all surprised me about his experiences, both financially and personally.
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
The principal actor is Robinson Crusoe:
He was stubborn,as he embarked on against the wishes of his family and friends, brave, as he had to live in adverse situations and especially intelligent, because he took advantage of all his experiences.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
This story takes place in a tropical island in Orinoco, near the current Venezuela (during much part of the book).
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes, I recommend it because it’s very interesting and entertaining. The book descrives very well the moments and the landscapes, and while you are reading it you can image all the situation.
VOCABULARY:
Fortnight: two weeks
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
This story takes place in a tropical island in Orinoco, near the current Venezuela (during much part of the book).
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes, I recommend it because it’s very interesting and entertaining. The book descrives very well the moments and the landscapes, and while you are reading it you can image all the situation.
VOCABULARY:
Fortnight: two weeks
Mightily: powerfully
Wreck: break a boat in the sea
Tobacco: plant or product
Fond: affectionate, love
State of live: living conditions
Thus: in this way
To halloo: scream
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
Is an adventure story inspired by the true story of two castaways, this makes the novel more interesting.
SILVIA GUTIERREZ VERGES
Monday, 4 April 2011
passive voice
Passives: present, past, present perfect, future and modals.
click here to learn how to form the passive.
click here to learn how to form the passive.
presentations
Oral presentations
April 6
Bea
April 11
Lourdes
Judit
Mireia
Elisabet
Braulio
April 12
Josep Maria
Meritxell
Sandra
Iolanda
Carrie
Maria Jesus
Rosa
April 13
Alicia
Noelia
Maria Jose
Elena
April 6
Bea
April 11
Lourdes
Judit
Mireia
Elisabet
Braulio
April 12
Josep Maria
Meritxell
Sandra
Iolanda
Carrie
Maria Jesus
Rosa
April 13
Alicia
Noelia
Maria Jose
Elena
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Book Report
BOOK REPORT
TITLE: The Reluctant Queen
AUTHOR: Jean Plaidy
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
This book is the life of Lady Anne Neville, daughter of the Earl of Warwick who earned the nickname of Kingmaker. It is set in the15th century, during the war for power; a war between the houses of Lancaster and York, which wanted the throne..Warwick is a close ally of York and supports the young, charming King Edward IV; the Lancastrians fighting for King Henry VI, who is now very old and ill to be king. Anne and her sister Isabel began with their father's political game: Isabel is married to King Edward's brother George, the Duke of Clarence, and Anne is married to Prince Richard, who is a youngest king.
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
Anne, the Reluctant Queen (I like this character, because she sometimes is hard and sometimes is sensitive)
Richard: Duke of Gloucester, He marries Anne (I don’t like this character, because she likes the war)
King Edward IV: He marries Elizabeth Woodville. He Is a Anne’s father, He is very sensitive man.
Isabel: The older Anne’s sisters. She is a very happy woman, for her all is possible, I like this woman.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
The novel begins in the year 1485. Anne, knows that she is dying and she has decided to write her life before her death slowly takes her. She worries about her family including her husband Richard, the King of England. Richard is severely maligned by his people, and Anne knows that his power and position would be greater after her death.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Thi book is very easy to read. The author explains very well the story. at the begining it is very happy. It is the life of Anne, but is a story of wars and powers, and for me it is very sad, because the main character, Anne, always is very sad.
I recommend this book to other student because, is quicky to read and you can finish it inmmediately.
VOCABULARY:
There are some words that sometimes are verbs and sometimes are nouns, namely: poisoned, servant, jealous, trick, army, castle, attacked, peace, king, attack, preparing, cruel, etc.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
Cover illustration by Len Truston
The Series Editor is Derek Strange, a leading authority on reading schemes.
This book report has been done by Paqui
TITLE: The Reluctant Queen
AUTHOR: Jean Plaidy
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
This book is the life of Lady Anne Neville, daughter of the Earl of Warwick who earned the nickname of Kingmaker. It is set in the15th century, during the war for power; a war between the houses of Lancaster and York, which wanted the throne..Warwick is a close ally of York and supports the young, charming King Edward IV; the Lancastrians fighting for King Henry VI, who is now very old and ill to be king. Anne and her sister Isabel began with their father's political game: Isabel is married to King Edward's brother George, the Duke of Clarence, and Anne is married to Prince Richard, who is a youngest king.
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
Anne, the Reluctant Queen (I like this character, because she sometimes is hard and sometimes is sensitive)
Richard: Duke of Gloucester, He marries Anne (I don’t like this character, because she likes the war)
King Edward IV: He marries Elizabeth Woodville. He Is a Anne’s father, He is very sensitive man.
Isabel: The older Anne’s sisters. She is a very happy woman, for her all is possible, I like this woman.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
The novel begins in the year 1485. Anne, knows that she is dying and she has decided to write her life before her death slowly takes her. She worries about her family including her husband Richard, the King of England. Richard is severely maligned by his people, and Anne knows that his power and position would be greater after her death.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Thi book is very easy to read. The author explains very well the story. at the begining it is very happy. It is the life of Anne, but is a story of wars and powers, and for me it is very sad, because the main character, Anne, always is very sad.
I recommend this book to other student because, is quicky to read and you can finish it inmmediately.
VOCABULARY:
There are some words that sometimes are verbs and sometimes are nouns, namely: poisoned, servant, jealous, trick, army, castle, attacked, peace, king, attack, preparing, cruel, etc.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
Cover illustration by Len Truston
The Series Editor is Derek Strange, a leading authority on reading schemes.
This book report has been done by Paqui
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
opinion
It is the responsibility of families to look after their older members when they become too old to manage by themselves.
Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons, explain yourself, give suggestions. Refer to: responsibility of the state, personal experience, generation gap, family circumstances, etc.
Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons, explain yourself, give suggestions. Refer to: responsibility of the state, personal experience, generation gap, family circumstances, etc.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
vocabulary Quiz
Check out these quizzes and get more practice on banking, finance and administration vocabulary.
click here
click here
Friday, 25 March 2011
Outline for conversation
Use the prompts for a dialogue with a partner.
A: The fall in sales is mainly due to the recession affecting world markets.
B: Interrupt: ask for clarification
A:Polite response.
(5% /most product areas / especially oil processing / also due to sale of America subsidiary.
B: interrupt: ask why USA was sold
A: Reject interruption: No time / discussed before.
A: Try to move on to future prospects (good)
B: Interrupt: disagree
A: Respond: you disagree. Forecasts are much better.
B: Interrupt: You want to talk about new markets
A: Promise to discuss this later. But first...
B: Interrupt: suggest a break.
A: Reject the idea
A: The fall in sales is mainly due to the recession affecting world markets.
B: Interrupt: ask for clarification
A:Polite response.
(5% /most product areas / especially oil processing / also due to sale of America subsidiary.
B: interrupt: ask why USA was sold
A: Reject interruption: No time / discussed before.
A: Try to move on to future prospects (good)
B: Interrupt: disagree
A: Respond: you disagree. Forecasts are much better.
B: Interrupt: You want to talk about new markets
A: Promise to discuss this later. But first...
B: Interrupt: suggest a break.
A: Reject the idea
TOPIC FOR PRESENTATION
My topic for the presentation will be:
Basketball, a sport for polite people.
Here is an example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99zQt-SqzFc
Basketball, a sport for polite people.
Here is an example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99zQt-SqzFc
Thursday, 24 March 2011
reported tense adjustment
Verb Tense Change
QUESTION – VERB TENSE
The verb tense in the noun clause adjusts (changes) to the point of view of the speaker. If the speaker is speaking in the past about an earlier past event, the past perfect may be used in the noun clause to emphasize the difference in time. Past perfect is not used if the time relationship is clear already.
EMBEDDED VERB TENSE
An exception to this verb adjustment occurs when using a verb that expresses a general truth, something that exists, or is timeless, such as states of being , states of possession or mental states. In these cases, the verb remains in its present tense form.
PRESENT-------------------------------------------------PAST
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE------------------------------------ PAST PROGRESSIVE
PAST----------------------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PAST PROGRESSIVE----------------------------------------PAST PROGRESSIVE
PRESENT PERFECT-----------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE-----------------------------PAST PROGRESSIVE OR PAST PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
PAST PERFECT--------------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PRESENT
"What do you think?" (permanently)
COMPARE: "What are you thinking?" (at the moment) -
PRESENT OR PAST
She asked how hot the sun is. (general truth)
She asked how hot the weather was. (at the moment)
She asked what I think. (permanently)
She asked what I was/ *am thinking. (at the moment)
may----------------------------might
will---------------------------would
tonight------------------------that night
today--------------------------that day
WORD ORDER CHANGES
EXAMPLE:
What were you doing at the beach?---He asked me what I was doing at the beach.
USE if or whether----YES/NO questions
Didyou enjoy your stay at the hotel?----He asked me if I had enjoyed my stay at the hotel.
QUESTION – VERB TENSE
The verb tense in the noun clause adjusts (changes) to the point of view of the speaker. If the speaker is speaking in the past about an earlier past event, the past perfect may be used in the noun clause to emphasize the difference in time. Past perfect is not used if the time relationship is clear already.
EMBEDDED VERB TENSE
An exception to this verb adjustment occurs when using a verb that expresses a general truth, something that exists, or is timeless, such as states of being , states of possession or mental states. In these cases, the verb remains in its present tense form.
PRESENT-------------------------------------------------PAST
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE------------------------------------ PAST PROGRESSIVE
PAST----------------------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PAST PROGRESSIVE----------------------------------------PAST PROGRESSIVE
PRESENT PERFECT-----------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE-----------------------------PAST PROGRESSIVE OR PAST PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
PAST PERFECT--------------------------------------------PAST PERFECT
PRESENT
"What do you think?" (permanently)
COMPARE: "What are you thinking?" (at the moment) -
PRESENT OR PAST
She asked how hot the sun is. (general truth)
She asked how hot the weather was. (at the moment)
She asked what I think. (permanently)
She asked what I was/ *am thinking. (at the moment)
may----------------------------might
will---------------------------would
tonight------------------------that night
today--------------------------that day
WORD ORDER CHANGES
EXAMPLE:
What were you doing at the beach?---He asked me what I was doing at the beach.
USE if or whether----YES/NO questions
Didyou enjoy your stay at the hotel?----He asked me if I had enjoyed my stay at the hotel.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
reporting verbs
Reporting verbs:
Say
Tell
Ask
Mention
Explain
Point out
Admit
Claim
Agree
Offer
Promise
Threaten
Refuse
Apologize
Advise
Deny
Blame
Warn
Suggest
Insist
Say
Tell
Ask
Mention
Explain
Point out
Admit
Claim
Agree
Offer
Promise
Threaten
Refuse
Apologize
Advise
Deny
Blame
Warn
Suggest
Insist
letter
sample of formal letter
Mrs Sugar
Department of ancient history
Faculty of humanities
Dear Mrs Sugar,
I am writing to inform you that on January 9th, 2011 your temporary service contract for a PhD studies scholarship in the young research staff program from AGAUR will finish.
We hope that this time has been useful for your professional work as well as for your personal training.
Best regards,
Mr Coffee
Head of academic, investigation and training and research support area
Once your contract has finished, if you are interested in receiving unemployment subsidy, you can get informed at the social security office at the UAB: telephone number: 93 581 10 69. They will give you the certificate with which you can apply to unemployment subsidy at the INEM (unemployment office).
Mrs Sugar
Department of ancient history
Faculty of humanities
22nd November, 2010
Dear Mrs Sugar,
I am writing to inform you that on January 9th, 2011 your temporary service contract for a PhD studies scholarship in the young research staff program from AGAUR will finish.
We hope that this time has been useful for your professional work as well as for your personal training.
Best regards,
Mr Coffee
Head of academic, investigation and training and research support area
Once your contract has finished, if you are interested in receiving unemployment subsidy, you can get informed at the social security office at the UAB: telephone number: 93 581 10 69. They will give you the certificate with which you can apply to unemployment subsidy at the INEM (unemployment office).
Formal letter
Here is a translation of a typical formal letter around university.
Mrs Sugar
Department of ancient history
Faculty of humanities
22nd November, 2010
Dear Mrs Sugar,
I am writing to inform you that on January 9th, 2011 your temporary service contract for a PhD studies scholarship in the young research staff program from AGAUR will finish.
We hope that this time has been useful for your professional work as well as for your personal training.
Best regards,
Mr Coffee
Head of academic, investigation and training and research support area
Once your contract has finished, if you are interested in receiving unemployment subsidy, you can get informed at the social security office at the UAB: telephone number: 93 581 10 69. They will give you the certificate with which you can apply to unemployment subsidy at the INEM (unemployment office).
Monday, 21 March 2011
vocaroo
If you want to record your own voice and listen to ti, post it on th eblog, send it to a friend....
click here to start
click here to start
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Public presentation talking
My presentation in classe will be about funnies jokes.
Maria Jesús Gutiérrez
Maria Jesús Gutiérrez
Book report
BOOK REPORT
TITLE:
Blood from a Stone
AUTHOR:
Donna Leon
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
Comissario Guido Brunetti. Middle aged, married with two children, trying to be honest in a system which tends to corruption. Violence is not his tool; he isn’t a kind of Dirty Harry.
Supporting characters:
a) At the Police Station: Vianello (the partner –to a certain extent-), Elettra (efficiency is her surname), Patta (Bosses are born to hate, aren’t they?).
b) The Family: Paola (his wife) and Raffi and Chiara, their children.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
Nowadays, in Venice (Italy, not the beach in California!). The story starts with the killing of the African “vu comprà” and then…well things get a little bit complicated. What do you expect? it’s a Crime story!.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
It’s not the first book I’ve read of Donna Leon; but, as far as I can recall it’s the best one I’ve read. As usually, there are two layers: the detective story and Brunetti’s life. And through the last one some reflections not only of Italian society, but also of the European present society as well.
Although Leon is a North American writer or, to be more precise an American born writer, she is more in the tradition of the Southern European writers, such as Camillieri, Markaris or Vázquez Montalbán. So the ingredients are the crime plot, the criticism of the society we’re living in and, the most important thing, some glimpses and tastes about gastronomy.
If you like this sort of literature, just read it!.
*EXCERPTS
- About immigration:
“I thought I told you someone was killed” (Paola –Brunetti’s wife- to his daughter).
“Yes but it was only a vu comprà”. (Chiara – Paola and Brunetti’s daughter). (p. 33)
- Climate change
…”North America. That means the Americans. They’re protected on both sides by enormous bodies of water, and the currents are favourable to them, so while the rest of us are choking on their gases or dying from the heat, they will be able to go the same as ever. “ (Vianello, Brunetti’s police partner), (p100-101)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Printed by Random House in 2006; 355 pages.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
modals
Modals
Ability: can, could, able to
I can speak 5 languages
I can run 4 hours
When I was a child I could climb tall trees.
Advice /Recommendation:
Should, could, ought to, you had better
Obligation/prohibition
Must/ mustn’t
Have to/ must
Suggestion:
Don’t have to
Possibility
May, might
Permission
May I speak to Mr Llull, please?
May I go to the
May I help you?
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Oral Presentations
What is the title of your presentation?
Can you write a short summary saying why you chose your topic?
Do you need any special equipment?
Can you write a short summary saying why you chose your topic?
Do you need any special equipment?
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Thursday, 10 March 2011
about consuming
Hi,
I agree about your opinions on consuming, but in my concernliving as consumers doesn't only mean to buy much more things we don't really need. The consumer society impel us to construct our identities as a consumers. I consum, therefore I'm. Consuming is the core of our way of living and being.
Just try to imagine how our grandparents lived on. They had or buyed less things, of course, but they didn't think as consumers.
Did you know Zygmunt Bauman? He's a sociologist who has deeply studied the consumer society. I recommend you the book Vida de consum.
see you
I agree about your opinions on consuming, but in my concernliving as consumers doesn't only mean to buy much more things we don't really need. The consumer society impel us to construct our identities as a consumers. I consum, therefore I'm. Consuming is the core of our way of living and being.
Just try to imagine how our grandparents lived on. They had or buyed less things, of course, but they didn't think as consumers.
Did you know Zygmunt Bauman? He's a sociologist who has deeply studied the consumer society. I recommend you the book Vida de consum.
see you
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Libya: No-Fly Zone
I do not use to send these messages, but I think that sometimes they're really important...you only have to sign in!!
http://avaaz.org/en/libya_no_fly_zone_1/?slideshow
http://avaaz.org/en/libya_no_fly_zone_1/?slideshow
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Monday, 7 March 2011
Saturday, 5 March 2011
HOMEWORK: c-test practice
Here's an excellent tool to practice grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Please, read the instructions carefully (in Spanish or Catalan) and have fun!
Thursday, 3 March 2011
abreviations
asap = as soon as possible
thx = thanks
CU = see you
re = reference
thx = thanks
CU = see you
re = reference
lol = laughing out loud
24/7 = 24 hours a day, seven days a week
XXX = kisses
Int'l = international
ie = in other words
attn = attention
rgds = regards
pls = please
ie = in other words
attn = attention
rgds = regards
pls = please
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
linking words
Here are some connectors that are useful for your letters, e-mails, articles, etc
click here for the linking words and phrases
click here for the linking words and phrases
6 minute English
Listening practice that includes interviews, the script, vocabulary...of many different topics.
To practice click here
To practice click here
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
LEAFLET TO VISITORS
Write a leaflet to be given to visitors when they arrive at the university. The leaflet should include five important customs or ways of behaving that will be useful to people who are visiting for the first time.
• In Spain, you give two kisses on the cheeks the first time you meet a person and as a way of greeting.
• It’s ok to be loud.
• It is not allowed to smoke in public places.
• Lunch hour in Spain is between 2 – 3PM and dinner is usually around 9PM. They eat big dishes.
• You must take care of your possessions everywhere, especially in the underground or train.
• In Spain young people normally go out around 2AM for a drink or to dance.
• The health care system is public.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Homework
Translate the following:
1. I would like to have my student card made.
2. I would like to talk to my coordinator.
3. What time does my tutor sees her/his students?
4. I would like to extend my stay at the university.
5. Where can I buy the registration forms?
6. When is the deadline for registration?
7. I want to change my group. The timetable doesn't suit me.
8. Could you please fill in my grant form?
9. I would like to have a university subject guide.
10. Is there any Lost Property Office?
1. M'agradaria/ voldria tenir el meu carnet d'estudiant.
2. M'agradaria / voldria parlar amb el meu coordinador.
3. A quina hora aten el meu tutor als seus estudiants?
4. M'agradaria/ voldria allargar la meva estada a la universitat.
5. On puc comprar els formularis d'inscripció?
6. Quin és el termini per inscriure's?
7. Vull canviar el meu grup. El calendari (horari) no em convé ( no em va bé ).
8. Si us plau, podria omplir les dades de la meva beca?
9. Voldria tenir la guia de l'estudiant.
10. Hi ha alguna oficina d'objectes peduts?
1. I would like to have my student card made.
2. I would like to talk to my coordinator.
3. What time does my tutor sees her/his students?
4. I would like to extend my stay at the university.
5. Where can I buy the registration forms?
6. When is the deadline for registration?
7. I want to change my group. The timetable doesn't suit me.
8. Could you please fill in my grant form?
9. I would like to have a university subject guide.
10. Is there any Lost Property Office?
1. M'agradaria/ voldria tenir el meu carnet d'estudiant.
2. M'agradaria / voldria parlar amb el meu coordinador.
3. A quina hora aten el meu tutor als seus estudiants?
4. M'agradaria/ voldria allargar la meva estada a la universitat.
5. On puc comprar els formularis d'inscripció?
6. Quin és el termini per inscriure's?
7. Vull canviar el meu grup. El calendari (horari) no em convé ( no em va bé ).
8. Si us plau, podria omplir les dades de la meva beca?
9. Voldria tenir la guia de l'estudiant.
10. Hi ha alguna oficina d'objectes peduts?
university conversation guide
Important vocabulary to enhance your conversation skills around university.
click here for the phrasebook
click here for the phrasebook
Monday, 21 February 2011
BOOK REPORT TEMPLATE
BOOK REPORT
TITLE:
AUTHOR:
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
VOCABULARY:
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
TITLE:
AUTHOR:
SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
DESCRIBE THE MAIN CHARACTER: WHAT DOES S/ HE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS S/ HE LIKE?
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE? SETTING, PERIOD OF TIME, ETC.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE BOOK? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER STUDENTS? WHY OR WHY NOT?
VOCABULARY:
ANY OTHER INFORMATION:
How's your presentation coming along?
The oral presentation is due the last week of class (10th - 14th April)
in groups of 3-4 and about any topic of your choice. You should speak for 10 minutes without reading. You can use powerpoint or any other resource. Good luck!
in groups of 3-4 and about any topic of your choice. You should speak for 10 minutes without reading. You can use powerpoint or any other resource. Good luck!
Friday, 18 February 2011
VOCABULARY
About lizards and geckoes per Tomàs:
Remember that last Monday we talked about lizards and spiders and then I couldn't remember another way to name a lizard. I suggested 'gecko' but I were not sure. Thus, I've looked it up in a dictionary and I've finded it. According to the dictionary, a gecko is a small animal of the family of lizards, especially of the tropical countries.
Remember that last Monday we talked about lizards and spiders and then I couldn't remember another way to name a lizard. I suggested 'gecko' but I were not sure. Thus, I've looked it up in a dictionary and I've finded it. According to the dictionary, a gecko is a small animal of the family of lizards, especially of the tropical countries.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
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