MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2011

I wish you all the best during these holidays.

This is my personal way of whishing you happy Christmas. Hope you like this

EXERCISES WITH ADVERBS

Here there are some interesting links to do some grammar exercises about adverbs. First, read the explanation "All about adverbs". Then, do the exercises.

All about adverbs

1. Adverbs of frequency
2. Adverbs of manner
3. Adverbs of degree

RAPPING SAFETY INFORMATION

This week in class we listened to some information about the important things we should pay attention to whenever we take a plane. Among them, we can find safety regulations.

Regarding this topic, nowadays we have on Spanish TV some kind of parody with a famous soda commercial of this real situation: click here, see how much you understand and have a good time.

SPANISH AIR STRIKE

We are under "state of alarm" for the first time in the history of our democracy.

I hope you haven't been affected by this air chaos.

How do you feel about it? There are reactions all over the world. Here is one of the many videos that you may find.

Christmas recipes

Still hesitating what to cook for Christmas? Bored of eating exactly the same every year?

It is high time you do something new!!! Here is a short compilation of some sites you can visit to get some inspiration and new ideas and surprise the guests sitting around your Christmas table.

Typical Xmas recipes

What's cooking America

Jamie Oliver's Xmas recipes

Spanish Xmas recipes

TRIP TO LIVERPOOL

In the end, the English Department is planning a trip to Liverpool.

When? From 10-13 March

How much? Around 420€ per person

Deadline: Till December the 10th

Tell me if you want to come!!!

The history of thanksgiving-HISTORY CHANNEL

If you still want to watch the video, click here.

Here you have the full transcript of the video "The history of Thanksgiving". There is plenty of new vocabulary. I suggest you to underline the words you don't know and try to guess meaning from context. If still you don't know, then, go for a dictionary.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Today, I would like you to think about all the wonderful things we do have in our lifes and we must be thankful for. We are luckier than we think!!!


Here you can watch the video in which Obama pardons the Thanksgiving turkey. It is an annual tradition that the USA's president has to do every Thanksgiving. What do you think about it? Do you get the jokes he plays?

Expiry date for the wiki

I'm sorry to announce that the wiki will probably die after Christmas.

It is a pity to have such a useful tool specially done for you without anybody (but few students) writing on it.

However, you can still save it by writing in the different sections. If after Christmas, the thing remains the same, I will be forced to close it.

Likewise, the same could happen with the blog, if I see you don't click in the reactions bar (to say if something is interesting, wonderful or so-so) or if you don't publish your comments.

Adjectives order

In English, we can have problems when placing the adjectives right before the noun.

However, you just have to learn the rules. Click here to read the explanation and then, do the exercises.

More about stereotypes

This week, we defined in class the word stereotype as "an oversimplified mental image of a particular group of people".

Here you have an interesting article to read a little bit more about stereotypes. Remember, stereotypes must be seen as a way of broadening our minds, never as a reason to make fun of different people.

(Therefore, the above images must not be misinterpreted)

Prince William and Kate Middleston officially engaged

Dear all,

You probably watched it many times, but here is the real video of Prince William and Lady Kate first TV appearance as an engaged couple. The sound lacks good quality, so it is a little bit difficult to understand.

Any reaction???

Christmas activities

This year, the school will be organizing a Christmas party on 22, December. You are welcome to come and also take part in the cooking competition. You can cook any course you like (sweet or salty, seasonal or conventional) and if your course is selected, you'll win wonderful prices.

Likewise, we are also organizing a CALENDAR composition for 2011. If you want to take part in this interesting composition, you just have to choose the month of the year you prefer and according to what it inspires you, create an artistic representation of it. It can be a photograph, a painting, a collage or a sculpture...The deadline to present your masterpieces is from 1 to 10 December.

Finally, the school is also organising a market to raise money and celebrate EOI's centenary in Madrid. You are welcome to bring anything you are not using at the moment as long as it is in good state: CDs, books, pictures...

There won't be class next Friday

I'm not able to come next Friday, 19 November, so we move the speaking practise next week, that is, Friday, 26 November.

This is only for the group coming on Tuesdays and Thrusdays

SEE U

First compulsory composition

You will have to send an informal email to me.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Deadline: Next week (Wednesday, 17 or Thrusday, 18)
• Subject-matter: You have a friend living in New York that you haven't seen for a long time and you are planning to visit him/her. Ask about accomodation, places to visit, nice restaurants to eat,etc.
• Words: 120-150

If you need some inspiration, you can have a look here.

Representatives' meeting

This information is just to remind the representatives that you will have to attend the first meeting next Wednesday, 17 November at 6.30 pm in the assembly room downstairs

Parking lot

Dear all,

If you are parking your car in the school's parking lot, please do it correctly. If you occupy the pavement, you don't allow other vehicules in or out and that is not polite at all.

If this keeps going on, the school will have to take serious measures.

Thanks for your understanding.

Cough drops commercial

Here you can have a look to one of the most famous anti-cough drops commercials.

Hotel California

As we couldn't finish in class, here you have the lyrics of this famous song. What do you think it means?

Theatre workshops

If you are a good actor/actress and want to practise your English, you now have a wonderful chance.

Join the theatre workshop in room 1.1, Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm.

Adjectives to describe personality

Here you have a small compilation of the main adjectives describing personality and their Spanish translation.

You can also have a look here to see how you are feeling today

Michael Jackson's Thriller

Here you have the video with one of the history's best known songs. It is the entire video, so if you want to go directly to the song, you have to visite minute 4: 35. Listen to it and try to complete the gaps with the copy I gave you.

I'll publish the lyrics tomorrow.

Bye

Facebook

The other day, we linked speed dating with the use of social networks and some of you recognized using them.

Here you have a funny video on how ridiculous normal things can turn out to be when you use this kind of tools.

Speaking workshops

Teacher Natalia Ávila and I will be the organizers of the speaking workshops for intermediate level starting next month.

See you on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7 pm in room 1.3.

Indirect questions

Practise them a little more doing this exercise here

Speed dating

Try to see this new video and undertand the things you should never talk about if you are on a first date.

Fridays

Dear all,

These are the Fridays you are supposed to come to the school. Remember that we will be practising speaking in small groups, so you just have to come half the time!!!

Mondays and Wednesday group

October, the 22nd

November, the 5th

December, the 10th

January, the 14th

February, the 11th

March, the 5th

Tuesdays and Thursday group

November, the 19th

January, the 28th

February, the 18th

March, the 18th

Do you like Mondays?

It seems that actor Hugh Laurie (House) doesn't.

A catchy song to begin the week with. Click here to listen/watch.

You can pay a look to the the lyrics here.

Reminder

I forgot to tell you!!! Bring your books next week.

Have a nice weekend!!!

Rock'n'roll

Dear all,

As you are probably starting to notice, I love music.

Today I would like to introduce you a young, fresh group recently born: THE WILDBORNS. They've just launched their first new album: Fortunate sons.

If you like rock, catchy songs and interesting lyrics, don't hesitate and buy a CD!!!

Purchase price is just 6 € and as you buy, you donate a percentage to Haiti eartquake's victims.

For further information, you can visit their site here

Ask me for more information.

C U around!!!

Crossfire-Brandon Flowers

This is the first song we are working with. Hope you like it.

If you want to watch it again, click here.

Welcome!!!

Hi everyone,

I wish you all a good academic year start. I hope you find this blog interesting and useful!!!