Christmas activities

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR BEAN!, by maria elena sabadini
Find this and other christmas exercises in English Exercises .org

The Christmas the Lights Went Out

CHRISTMAS
 THE JOURNEY

Advent Calendar

Open a window everyday

THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING LANGUAGES

In our global society there are so many advantages of learning foreign languages: you can travel to more places safely and actually learn about the local culture, your job and salary prospects are considerably enhanced and, very importantly, you may meet the love of your life speaking a foreign language. However, despite all these advantages, another one stands out for me: the additional brain power that knowing foreign language gives you. Students who study a foreign language for more than 4 years regularly outperform their peers who don’t study a language.

BRITISH AND AMERICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

Difference Between American and British System of Education

UK AND USA EDUCATION

HALLOWEEN

LISTENING

WORDSHAKE

How many words can you find in three minutes?

PRONUNCIATION TIPS

 Even if it might seem boring, learning the phonetic symbols helps you pronounce English words properly.
Click below and you can learn a lot about this topic.

The videos in the Pronunciation Tips section of this site are presented by Alex Bellem.

Describing people: appearance

Describing People

SOCIAL NETWORKING

WHAT IS FACEBOOK IS FOR.


TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

Hunky window shopping for Parisian women

A French dating website opens a shop in the heart of Paris where men pose in store windows and women browse for the beau of their dreams. Tara Cleary reports.

TRANSCRIPT
REPORTER: How much is that guy in the window? The one with the really smooth moves. Women flocked to the 'adopt-a-guy' boutique in Paris, which promises a high-end shopping experience for those looking for Mr. Right. The idea comes from French dating website 'adopteunmec.com.' Men post profiles online at a cost of one euro a day. Women can then trawl the site and contact the man that catches their eye. The shop window mannequins are all website members and the live setting allows women to test drive their chosen object of desire.
LUCILLE ROUX, SHOP VISITOR: "I know the website, and I find all this funny. It reminds me a bit of the red light district in Amsterdam, but much tamer and for us girls instead."
AMANDINE CAMPORRO, PASSER-BY: "I think it's great. It's different. For once we have a choice and we don't have to put up with the trials and tribulations of seduction so it's a really great idea".
REPORTER: The shop window system seems to work -- organizers say at least one visitor did not go home alone. Sadly the 'adopt-a-guy' shop only has a short-term lease in Paris before moving on to other French cities and then to Switzerland.

TIPS FOR EXAM SPEAKING

EXAM SPEAKING

Exam speaking

Speaking exams can be stressful! What if you don't understand the examiner? What if you don't know the exact word you need? Don't panic! This section has loads of tips and advice on how to survive your next speaking exam. (from British Council)

SOME TIPS FOR LISTENING TESTS

LISTENING STRATEGIES

Exam listening

Listening exams can be quite scary. Will you understand what you have to do? Will you understand what the speakers say? Will you have time to write down your answers? This section will help you to prepare for all sorts of listening exams. (from British Council)

LearnEnglishTeens

• 
  

LEARN ENGLISH

SLANG is very informal language which is often used by young people. It's hard to keep up to date with slang, but this article will help you learn a few words that your teacher may not know!

IRREGULAR VERBS WHEEL GAME

Test your knowledge of irregular verb forms. It’s addictive!

SPIN THE WHEEL

AMY WINEHOUSE

Her distinctive soulful voice and 'beehive' hairstyle made her famous the world over. And Monday (July 23) marks exactly a year since the death of British singer Amy Winehouse. Her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield said on Sunday (July 22) the family are due to hold a celebration of her life. SOUNDBITE: Dionne Bromfield, singer, saying (English): "It's sad, it is really sad but she was an amazing girl, especially to me. And we're definitely going to be celebrating her life. We're going to be going to Camden Square which is where Amy's house was which is where also she passed away and then we're going to be having - I wouldn't say it's a party because it's not something to be happy about but it's just family and friends remembering her life." An inquest found Winehouse had more than five times the legal driving limit of alcohol in her blood when she died at her London home in July 2011. She was just 27 years old but had enjoyed great success in her short career with hits such as 'Rehab'. Born into a Jewish family with a history of Jazz musicians, Winehouse had fought a long battle with drink and drugs, the details of which were widely chronicled in the British tabloids. After her death fans flocked to her home in the Camden area of London and transformed a nearby square into a shrine. Her father Mitch has created the Amy Winehouse foundation in her honour to help young people with addiction problems. Edward Baran, Reuters

EURO 2012 FINAL

Euro 2012: Spain victorious por reuters

Tens of thousands celebrate in Madrid after watching Spain cement their status
 as a global football superpower.

Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 to retain their European title, in the biggest victory 
margin in a World Cup or Euro final.

Italy were in danger of losing from as early as the 14th minute when Spain took
 the lead.

As they failed to stop a further three goals, the party in Spain began at 
the countdown to the final whistle.

SOUNDBITE: UNNAMED SPAIN SUPPORTER SAYING (Spanish):

"Very happy. Champions Spain, champions"

SOUNDBITE: UNNAMED SPAIN SUPPORTER SAYING (Spanish):

"They were very bad, very bad. They couldn't meet the expectations. 
They should have done more. It was a very easy final."

The picture in Italy was of bitter disappointment.

Dreams of victory turned to dust as fans watched goal after goal 
being scored against them.

SOUNDBITE: FAN FEDERICO IZZO SAYING (Italian):

"It just shouldn't have finished like this. I hoped and hoped and waved my flag,
 but it counted for nothing."

In Spain the party carried on into the night.

They've become the first national side to win three major trophies after
 their Euro 2008 success and World Cup victory two years ago.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters

EURO 2012. SEMI-FINAL KNOCKOUT

Thousands of football fans gather across Spain and Portugal to cheer their nations vying for a spot in the Euro 2012 final. Rival fans watched with bated breath in Madrid and Lisbon as the semi-final ended goaless after extra time. The game went to penalties. As Portugal's fans watched in agony, Barcelona striker Cesc Fabregas struck a vital spot kick to give Spain a 4-2 victory. Celebrations erupted as fans looked towards the final. SOUNDBITE: SPAIN SUPPORTER, CECIRIA, SAYING (Spanish): "We are going to win, of course. I guess we are going to win 2-0." SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED SUPPORTER, SAYING (Spanish): "It couldn't have been any other way, Spain was superior to Portugal. Half of Portugal play in Spain. It has been an exciting and tough game until the last minute. I'm speechless." But in Lisbon there was an atmosphere of despair. Fans looked on with bitter disappointment as they watched Spain celebrate on the big screen. SOUNDBITE: PORTUGAL SUPPORTER, JOSE, SAYING (Portuguese): "It was a very good match, with two great teams. It was down to luck for each team." World champions Spain have reached a third consecutive major tournament final. They will play either Germany or Italy on Sunday (July 1) in Kiev. 
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.

LEARN ENGLISH FOR FREE

I have just come across a website launched Tuesday, Duolingo which offers users the ability to learn a language at their own pace and for no cost. You will have to register and then you can start.
Also here it is other website you can browse to learn English

PRACTICE YOUR AMERICAN ENGLISH

VOA 

Learn English to; Text, Shop, Count Money, Get a Taxi, Order Coffee and More!!!!

FOOTBALL VOCABULARY

Today it is a day devoted to football all over Europe and in most of the world.
I just want to recommend a page to learn words related to this sport.

LEARN LANGUAGES THROUGH SONGS

Choose among many songs and practice your English

                   

GUESS THE IDIOM

figure out the idiom

FINAL ASSIGNMENT

 ENGLISH EXTENSION I  2011-2012

CREATE A PROJECT TO PRESENT IT  TO THE CLASS:

(Choose one among the following)

1.      Interview an English person living in Madrid. Record the conversation.
2.       Interview some teenagers and ask about the way they spend their free time. Record the conversation.
3.       Interview a teacher from your school, in English of course. Record the conversation.
4.      Prepare a sketch: in a shop…record it
5.      Describe a photo/an advert…
6.      Introduce your best friend to the class.
7.      Talk about a journey you have gone to and present it to the class.
8.       Prepare a newspaper front page with Stª Eugenia’s news. Present it to the class.
9.       What’s on screen? Elaborate a table with the latest films and a poster of your favourite.
10.      Act out the scene of a movie.

LOREEN - Euphoria lyrics

Why, why can’t this moment last forevermore?
Tonight, tonight eternity’s an open door…
No, don’t ever stop doing the things you do.
Don’t go, in every breath I take I’m breathing you…

Euphoria
Forever, ’till the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up

We are here, we’re all alone in our own Universe,
We are free, where everything’s allowed and love comes first,
Forever and ever together, we sail into infinity,
We’re higher and higher and higher, we’re reaching for divinity.

Euphoria
Forever, ’till the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up

Forever we sail into infinity,
We’re higher, we’re reaching for divinity…

Euphoria, euphoria
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria….
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up
Euphoria, euphoria
We’re going up-up-up-up-up-up-up

Olympic torchbearers race to cash in

A torch used on day one of the Olympic relay(relevo) has been sold for over £150,000 on the auction website eBay.

Loads of other torches have now been posted for sale online, but some people aren't happy, saying torchbearers shouldn't be allowed to sell them.

Olympic organisers say that the torchbearers can do whatever they like with their uniforms and torches after they've run their section.

Each runner has to pay £215 if they want to keep their torch.

READ MORE

ARE YOU IN DEBT?

When you need money your mind works faster, isn't it?

eReading

HOW QUICK CAN YOU READ IN ENGLISH?




Source: Staples eReader Department

Cody's part in Miss Congeniality

www.linleylove.org | Myspace Video

WATCH, LISTEN AND ANSWER.
QUESTIONS:

1. What does the little girl call the mean boy?:
  a girl
  a bad boy
  a dork-brain

2. What does the mean boy say before he tries to hit her?
  "You asked me for it"
  "You asked for it"
  "You asked it"

3. The girl thinks that the boy in the striped shirt is smart and:
  handsome
  tall
  funny

4. Why doesn't the boy like her? :
  because she is not pretty
  because now everyone thinks he needs a girl to fight for him
  because he already has a girlfriend

5. What do we call a girl who acts (and sometimes looks) like a boy?:
  Tomboy
  Tom-tom
  Tom

MAN ARRESTED AFTER "BOMB THREAT"

Just for you to listen to English.

Tottenham Court Road closed after bomb threat reports

ST GEORGE'S DAY

St George's Day in England remembers St George, England's patron saint. The anniversary of his death, which is on April 23, is seen as England's national day. According to legend, he was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess.... Read more


ST GEORGE'S DAY MISCELLANEOUS.

SUPER BOWL, "The silent holiday"

FROM elllo.org.

943 Super Bowl Sunday

NO LOGO

 No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies is a controversial book written by Canadian journalist Naomi Klein. It was first published in January, 2000. The book is largely about branding, and is often connected with the anti-globalization movement. Throughout the four parts, Klein writes about sweatshops, culture jamming, corporate censorship, Reclaim the Streets and much more. Many of the ideas in Klein's book can be traced back to the influence of the Situationists, a radical art/political group that was founded in the late 1950s. The book was awarded the Canadian "National Business Book Award" for 2000.
(taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)                     

THE IDEA BEHIND LOGOS
 script

TELEVISION ADVERTS

TELEVISION ADVERTS


WE ARE GOING TO WORK ON THESE COMERCIALS:

Hard Sell Advertising

What It Is:

A hard sell is an aggressive sales tactic used to persuade customers to make an immediate purchase. It is the opposite of a soft sell.
 Ex. All I did was ask for a price list and a carpet salesman started giving me the hard sell.

How It Works/Example:

In a hard sell, a salesperson tries to sell a product or service by applying pressure that suggests a sense of urgency to the buyer. A hard sell is closely associated with short-term advertising and the assumption that consumers are inherently indecisive. For this reason, many rationalize hard selling as a way to ensure that a buyer benefits and does not miss an opportunity.

For example, someone selling a mattress may engage in hard selling by explaining its long-term orthopedic and health benefits while telling the customer that he or she will get an especially great price if the mattress is purchased that day.

ST PATRICK'S DAY (17th March)

Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17^th)

Follow the links and answer the questions :

·  Facts about Ireland:

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/videos#ireland-deconstructed

Complete with the correct information:

Number and names of the provinces:

Number of counties:

When did the Great Potato Famine occur?

How many people lived in Ireland at that time?

How many inhabitants are there in Ireland today?

How many days can it rain in one year?

What is the Irish symbol for good luck?

What is Ireland’s national symbol?

What is the Guinness factory?

How many liters of beer does the average Irishman drink in a year?

What do people do to the Blarney stone to get the gift of gab? (= le don d’élocution)

How many tourists come to Ireland every year?

How many people around the word claim to have Irish ancestors?

• The history of Saint Patrick’s Day :

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/videos#history-of-st-patricks-day

Choose the best answer : (00:00 to 1:50)

1. Ireland is also called:    
a. the Diamond Isle         b. the Emerald Isle       c. The Ruby Isle

2. The story of Saint Patrick’s Day goes back
a. to the 3d century               b. to the 4^th century           c. to the 5^th century

3. A 16- year old boy was kidnapped in Britain by Irish marauders and was kept as a shepard-slave in Ireland for:

            a. six years                      b. ten years                              c. seven years

4. What encouraged him to escape?   
  a. another slave                 b. a vision        c. God

5. How many visions did he have?      
a. 2                  b. 3                  c.4

6. His mission was to help      
a. British people      b. French people          c. Irish people

7. He became a                     
  a. a druid                     b. a teacher                  c. a priest

8. St Patrick is said to have eliminated what from Ireland:

  a. snails                        b. flies                          c. snakes

9. These animals can be seen as a symbol of  
  a. Satan                       b. paganism

10. Another symbol associated to Ireland is     
a. the shamrock (trèfle)            b. beer      c. the tree

11. Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17^th because:          
  a. it’s the day he was born    b. the day he escaped           c. the day he died

Answer the questions: (1:50 to end)

1.      What do Catholics do during Lent?

2.      Where in America was St Patrick’s Day first celebrated?

3.      When did people start celebrating it in New York City?

4.      Today, what parade is the most famous?

5.      What countries did Irish immigrants flee to during the Potato Famine?

6.      What clothes do people in America wear on St Patrick’s Day?

7.      What politician of Irish origin appears in the video?

• New York City Saint Patrick’s Day parade :

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/videos#nyc-st-patricks-day-parade

1. What event changed the New York City St Patrick’s day parade and made it more important? What else did it transform, according to the historian?

2. What message did the Irish send through this huge parade?

3. What are the three adjectives used to qualify the parade in NY?

4. How many marchers were there in the 1870s? and in the 1940s?

5. How many spectators were there in 1948? What famous politician was there?

6. Depending on the weather, how many marchers can come today? For how many spectators?

7. What is the difference between the St Patrick’s Day parade and the other parades in New York City?

 ( From busy teacher)

Newsy Video: New iPad Goes HD and 4G ready

To David Díaz 2º C, specially.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

ACTIVITIES

THE KING'S SPEECH

The King’s Speech Lesson Plan

Speaking in Public Discussion Questions

SOMEONE LIKE YOU by Adele

Ver todo videoclips Adele

A COUPLE OF SONGS

MONEY VOCABULARY

Rich and poor

Describing a rich or a poor person:
Rich:

stinking rich, flush, well-heeled, loaded, moneyed, well-to-do, filthy rich, rolling in it, wealthy, prosperous, affluent, well off, ...

Poor:

dirt poor, hard up, needy, skint, broke, pennyless, moneyless, poverty-stricken, empty-handed, deprived, unfortunate, underprivileged, meager, reduced, pitiable, humble, lowly, modest, destitute...

QUIZ

10 Places to See in Europe

BROWSE and enjoy

MADRID SPAIN

Here you can see a sample of the information you have to include when preparing your presentation about a city or town of your choice..

CITY OR COUNTRY?

video quiz

video quiz

SOME TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A PHOTO

Describing a Photo

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Reuters Video: Humanoid robot in Valentine's experiment.

TRANSCRIPT

A SONG FOR ST VALENTINE

TOP 100 WONDERS

 

FAMOUS WONDERS OF THE WORLD

COMPLAINTS.

In this programme, we take a closer look at the language of complaining. When you have listened to the programme, don't forget to practise what you've learned with the activity at the bottom of this page.

MAKE A COMPLAINT. VOCABULARY

If things go wrong

If you have a complaint about the goods you've bought, you should make the trader aware of this as soon as you can. Here we look at the best way to do this.



READ MORE   on  complaints.

SHOPPING

Can you write the dialogue?

English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions - UsingEnglish.com

English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions - UsingEnglish.com

SHOPPING!!! VOCABULARY.

English vocabulary to help you shop 'til you drop


English Vocabulary to Help You Shop

MORE ACTIVITIES

NEW YEAR'S GOALS

A Goal for 2012: Learning English

Click here and listen to some people's resolutions for 2012
 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS.