QUEEN ELIZABETH II CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Every year Queen Elizabeth delivers her Christmas message where she talks about current issues and which reinforces a tradition initiated back in 1932 by King George V.

You can watch it on this video and read the script below (although it´s quite easy to understand).

Any differences with the one delivered by King Juan Carlos I?

This year she emphasizes the importance of friendship and group work; I really like that!!! 6 years ago on my first visit to Manchester I went to a museum and one of the activities we did was to build the following motto with some cubes: "United we stand, divided we fall". Nice, isn´t it?? :)



In this past year my family and I have been inspired by the courage and hope we have seen in so many ways in Britain, in the Commonwealth and around the world. We’ve seen that it’s in hardship that we often find strength from our families; it’s in adversity that new friendships are sometimes formed; and it’s in a crisis that communities break down barriers and bind together to help one another.

Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.

When Prince Philip and I visited Australia this year we saw for ourselves the effects of natural disaster in some of the areas devastated by floods, where in January so many people lost their lives and their livelihoods. We were moved by the way families and local communities held together to support each other.

Prince William travelled to New Zealand and Australia in the aftermath of earthquakes, cyclones and floods and saw how communities rose up to rescue the injured, comfort the bereaved and rebuild the cities and towns devastated by nature.

The Prince of Wales also saw first hand the remarkable resilience of the human spirit after tragedy struck in a Welsh mining community, and how communities can work together to support their neighbours.

This past year has also seen some memorable and historic visits – to Ireland and from America.

The spirit of friendship so evident in both these nations can fill us all with hope. Relationships that years ago were once so strained have through sorrow and forgiveness blossomed into long term friendship. It is through this lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so give us hope for tomorrow.

Of course, family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation. The Commonwealth is a family of 53 nations, all with a common bond, shared beliefs, mutual values and goals.

It is this which makes the Commonwealth a family of people in the truest sense, at ease with each other, enjoying its shared history and ready and willing to support its members in the direst of circumstances. They have always looked to the future, with a sense of camaraderie, warmth and mutual respect while still maintaining their individualism.

The importance of family has, of course, come home to Prince Philip and me personally this year with the marriages of two of our grandchildren, each in their own way a celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together.

For many this Christmas will not be easy. With our armed forces deployed around the world, thousands of service families face Christmas without their loved ones at home. The bereaved and the lonely will find it especially hard. And, as we all know, the world is going through difficult times. All this will affect our celebration of this great Christian festival.

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.

In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:

O Holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin
And enter in
Be born in us today

It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

IT´S WORTH WATCHING!! SMILEEEEEE

Validation from Veiko Kruustük on Vimeo.

JUSTIN BIEBER - MISTLETOE

Especially dedicated to all my "teenagers" who will (not too sure about this, though)enjoy this Christmas song by Justin Bieber. If you follow the link below the video you can read the lyrics, the meaning of the song plus (very important!!) some language notes!! :)



http://www.multimedia-english.com/contenido/ficha/mistletoe/3676

TODAY IS... BOXING DAY!!!

The origin of Boxing Day:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/boxingday.html

How Boxing day is celebrated today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16330449

What is Boxing Day? ( A listening activity):

http://www.elllo.org/july/nico/nboxing.htm

2 NB "A" and "B" - CHRISTMAS CAROL

This is the Christmas song we´ve listened to in class. Relax and enjoy it!!! :) :) :)

2 NB "B"

Hi there,

Yesterday we finished the extra sheet I gave you on prepositions (How far is it...? / How long does it take to get there?) and we also corrected the exercises from the book. And, of course, we did an activity with a Christmas carol which I´ll upload in another entry.

Homework: Write a composition about "The place where I live" (try to use as many structures and as amuch vocabulary as possible!!).

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

1 NA

Hi everyone,

On Wednesday we corrected the grammar exercises on the future as well as those on collective and plural nouns. We also did exercises 5A and B on page 36.
We also started lesson 3.3 ("How does it work?") and we did exercises 1 and 2.

Homework: do the exercises on page 133(future forms) as well as exercises 3A, 3B and 4A

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

1 NI

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve corrected the reading on the train and plane journeys and we´ve also done the listening activity on the car journey. Besides, we´ve done the reading comprehension on page 36. And, of course, we´ve listened to a really really Christmas song by Coldplay: "Christmas Lights" (I can´t help it: I JUST LOVE THIS BAND!!! :)



MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)

2 NB "A"

Our last day of class before Christmas!!! and we´ve corrected the exercises on prepositions and vocabulary of place plus someextra exercises.

And,of course, we´ve devoted some time to listen to a Christmas carol and do a fun activity (I´ll upload it tomorrow after the other group has also done it).

Homework: Write a composition about your area trying to use all the expressions that we´ve learnt ( near, quite near, not near, not far, quite far, a long way, far, on the edge of town, on the outskirts, right in the centre, next to, close to, it´s a 5-minute walk, it´s a 10-minute drive, it´s a 2-hour bus ride...).

And, last but not least: MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)

2 NB "B"

Hi there,

Today we´ve started unit 5 and we´ve done the vocabulary and the reading sections on page 42 plus some extra exercises on prepositions.

Homework: Do the vocabulary section (Prepositions of place) exercises 1 and 2 on page 43 plus the exercise on page 145.

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!!!

Rajoy sworn in as sixth PM in Spain's democratic era

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/english/Rajoy/sworn/in/as/sixth/PM/in/Spain/s/democratic/era/elpepueng/20111220elpeng_2/Ten

1 NI

Hi there,

Today we´ve worked on some vocabulary related to travel and we´ve done the vocabulary, pronunciation and speaking sections on page 35.

Homework: Do the reading comprehension about the plane and train journeys (for Thursday) and do the "Nightmare journey" reading and writing for Christmas.

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!! :)

HOY SÍ HAY CLASE

My face is still a bit swollen but I´ll see you today in class.

1 NA - HAPPY IDIOMS

Click on the link below and learn some idioms connected with the topic of happiness.

http://www.better-english.com/vocabulary/happy.htm

1 NA - USED TO /WOULD/ BE USED TO/ GET USED TO - key

EXERCISE 1 (state verbs side)
a)
2. driving
3. living
4. eat
5. being
6. getting up
7. play
8. get used to

b)
2. got used to working
3. not used to having
4. used to wear
5. got used to living
6. used to looking after
7. got used to
8. used to sleeping

EXERCISE 5B

a)
1.  WRONG- usually go
2. WRONG- drinking
3. RIGHT
4. RIGHT
5. WRONG- have
6. WRONG- I´m used to
7. WRONG- Did you use

b)
1. get used to getting up
2. get used to eating
3. ´m not used to having
4. used to spend
5. is used to working
6. get used to wearing
7. didn´t use to
8. is not used to sharing

USED TO DO (A)
1. We used to like
2. used to be
3. we didn´t use to have
4. Did you use to help
5. I used to look

USED TO TO and BE USED TO DOING (A-B)
1. She is used to flying planes.
2. They used to play badminton.
3. He is used to climbing mountains.

USED TO DO and BE USED TO DOING (A-B)
1. to living
2. to stop
3. to work
4. to be
5. to drinking
6. to being
7. to have

1 NA - OPINION COMPOSITION - key

EXERCISE 1

a)
1. recently
2. as a result
3. furtheremore
4. on the other hand
5. in conclusion

b)
1. nowadays
2. consequently, therefore
3. moreover, in addition
4. however, nevertheless
5. to sum up, finally

EXERCISE 2

1. such as, like
2. personally
3. think so
4. firstly
5. besides
6. secondly
7. although
8. like, such as
9. just
10. to sum up

NO CLASS TODAY

Como os dije, hoy no puedo asistir a clase. Mañana, si no os informo de lo contrario, SÍ iré.

See you!!

ADELE- SOMEONE LIKE YOU

One of the most beautiful yet moving songs I´ve listened to recently. If you want to enjoy it, practise your English and, who knows, maybe cry a little...sit back, watch this video and do the activity below.


LYRICS

I heard you’re settled _______ (1)
That you found a _________ (2)
And you’re … married now.
I heard that your dreams came _______ (3)
Guess she ___________ (4) you things I didn’t give to you
Old friend, why are you so _________ (5)?
Ain’t like you to hold back or hide from the ___________ (6)

I ________ (7) to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it
I had hoped you’d see my ______________ (8) and that you’ve reminded
That for me it isn’t over.

Never mind, I’ll _______ (9) someone like you
I wish nothing but the ___________ (10) for you, too
Don’t ___________ (11) me, I begged, I remember you said
Sometimes it _________ (12) in love, but sometimes it hurts __________ (13)
Sometimes it _________ (12) in love, but sometimes it hurts __________ (13)

You know how the __________ (14) flies,
Only ___________ (15) was the time of our _________ (16)

We were born and raised in a ____________ (17) haze
Bound by the ___________ (18) of our glory days

(CHORUS)

Nothing ___________ (19), nothing worries or cares
Regrets and ___________ (20), they’re memories made
Who would have known how bittersweet this would ___________ (21)?

(CHORUS)

3 THINGS I LEARNED WHILE MY PLANE CRASHED

Probably you´ve heard of this moving video lately, so here you have the original version. You can watch it without subtitles, with subtitles in English or even in Spanish. If you are from one of my advanced or intermediate groups, watch it first without subtitles and to try to understand as much as possible.

1 NA - LOOKBACK UNIT 2 ANSWERS

1B
1. poverty
2. famine
3. pollution
4. drought
5. drug abuse
6. domestic violence
7. homelessness
8. debt
9. obesity
10. divorce

2A
1. How long have you been learning English?
2. Your English has improved a lot. What have yoou been doing?
3. How many teachers have you had?
4. Who was your favourite teacher before your current one?
5. How far have you travelled to class today?
6. Have you done your homework for today?
7. How long did it take you to do it?
8. Have you studied/been studying a lot this week?
9. Have you practised/been practising English outside the class regularly in the past year?
10. Have you ever forgotten to bring anything to class?
11. How long have you been trying to understand the present perfect?
12. Have you been spending too much time in front of your computer lately?


3
1. e
2. f
3. d
4. c
5. b
6. a

4A
2. I was brought up in a house full of pets.
3. I´ve never been robbed.
4. I hate being given clothes as a present.
5. I´m often told I look like my father.
6. I´ve always wanted to be admired for my intelligence.

5A
1. Have you ever been bitten by an animal?
2. Would you like to be invited to dinner by a celebrity/ by a celebrity to dinner?
3. Do you enjoy being photographed?
4. Do you always want to be told the truth even if it hurts?
5. What will you be remembered for after you die?

6A
1. I´m in favour of
2. I´m not so sure
3. You´ve got a point there, but
4. Fair enough, but
5. I agree to some extent, but
6. I´m still not convinced
7. I suppose so

A BIG BIG THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

2 NB "B"

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve done the keyword section "have" on page 39, the explore writing on page 40 and exercises 2,3,4 and 5 on page 41.

Homework: Write an email to your friend giving news.

1 NI

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve corrected the keyword section "with" on page 31 and exercises 1 4 and 5 on page 33. We´ve also finished the Explore Writing section on page 32.

Besides, we´ve started unit 4 and we´ve done the vocabulary, speaking and listening sections on pages 34 and 35.

Homework: Write a recipe (ingredients and instructions) and bring it with you on Tuesday.

1 NA

Hi guys,

Today we´ve done the speaking activity on page 33 ( bad habits) and also exercise 10 B (share your opinions on the essay topics).

We´ve also started unit 3.2 "Find your niche" and we´ve done the listening and vocabulary sections on page 35.

Homework: Opinion essay (page 34) plus exercises 4A and 4C on page 36 plus the vocabulary section on page 37 and the Collective nouns (Vocabulary Bank) on page 150.

Hope to see you on Friday.

IMPORTANT: NO CLASS ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19th)

2 NB "A"

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve corrected exercise 5 on page 41 and we´ve started unit 5 "Places": we´ve done the vocabulary and the reading sections on page 42 plus some extra activities on prepositions and places.

Homework: Do exercise 6,1 and 2 on page 43 (Vocabulary: Describing places and Prepositions of place), do the vocabulary exercise on page 145 and the vocabulary section (Things in the home) on page 44. Rememeber to write your email as well  (exercise 6 page 40).

Hope to see you on Friday!!!

IMPORTANT: NO CLASS ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19th)

2 NB "A" and "B" - PREPOSITIONS

These are the two exercises we did in class:

http://www.esolcourses.com/content/exercises/grammar/prepositions/prepositions-of-place/prepositions-of-place-quiz.html

http://wwwedu.ge.ch/cptic/prospective/projets/anglais/sharing/Prepositions1.htm

Two interactive games:
http://www.quia.com/rr/837928.html

http://www.quia.com/cz/221643.html

2 NB "B"

Hi everyone,

After 12 days without class, we´ve finally corrected all your homework (cloze test, reading comprehension and grammar exercises). We´ve also done the speaking section on page 37, the Target activity section (Talk about an important event) on page 38 and the pronunciation exercises (4a and 4b) on page 41.

Homework: Draw a diagram with all the expressions with "have" (page 39) and write about your English studies (exercise 1a on pager 39)

1 NI

Hi there,

Today we´ve corrected the reading comprehension "What´s for dinner?" and we´ve done the target activity section on page 30 "Plan a meal" plus the Across cultures section on page 31 (Mealtimes) and we´ve also done exercises 1a, 1b, and 2a on page 32.

Homework: Keyword section "With" on page 31 exercises 1a,1b,2 and 3a + exercise 1a and 5a on page 33 (for Thursday). Surf the Internet in order to find info about mealtimes in the UK ( for next Tuesday)

1 NA

Hi everyone,

Yesterday we did the grammar section (use and form of "used to/would/ be used to/ get used to") and did exercises 6A and 6B on page 33 (plus an extra activity). We also started the Writin section "An opinion essay" and we did exercise 8, 9 and 10.

Homework: grammar exercises on page 133.

2 NB "A"

Hi there,

Today we´ve done exercises 2 and 3 from the Keyword section "Have" and we´de done the Explore Writing section on page 40. Besides, we´ve done exercises 2a, 3a , 4a, 4b and 4c on page 41.

Homework: exercises 5a and 5b (only write the dates) for Wednesday. Write an email (exercise 6a on page 40) for December 21 (next Wednesday)

6 DAYS TO GO!!! ;)

1 NA

Hi everyone,

Yesterday we did exercise 6A on page 29 and started unit 3 "Downtime" (= stop working and relax). We did the speaking, vocabulary and reading sections on page 32 `plus a quick look at the grammar (exercise 5) on page 33.

Homework: Write 3 tips for being happy (1 paragraph each - exercise 6B on page 29). Do exercises 1B, 2A, 3, 4A, 5A and 6A on page 30 (I´ll upload the answers to the blog).


ENJOY YOUR FREE DAY!!!

2 NB "A"

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve done exercises 6 and 7 on page 37 as well as the grammar and speaking sections on that same page. we´ve also done the "Target Activity" saction page 38 and exercise 1 on page 39.

Homework: do a mind map with all the expressions with "have" and write your opinion about the different skills when learning a language (reading,listening, speaking....: EXERCISE 1 in the "Independent Learning" section on page 39.

1 NI - FOOD

Listening comprehensions:

BREAKFAST: http://www.elllo.org/nine/breakfast/breakfast.htm

RESTAURANTS: http://www.esl-lab.com/eslbasic/restaurants-1.htm

EATING OUT: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/multimedia/london/unit6/index.shtml

Video: "Is this the supermarket of the future?"




Shops in England (info + photos):

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/shops/main/index.html

1 NA - HAPPINESS

Have a look at this link if you want to find out more about the "Happiness Formula". You will have information about the 6 instalments as we only watched part of the one about "richer but not happier"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/happiness_formula/4783836.stm

You can also listen to this 6-minute programme on happiness (with script):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2009/04/090409_6min_happiness.shtml

Happy vocabulary:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/2009/05/090526_fm_198_lp.shtml

10 DAYS TO GO!!!

 Have you already thought about your English dish?? Aren´t you curious about what the others are preparing?? Don´t you want to try some delicious English specialties??

You cannot miss the opportunity of having a good time with your classmates and teacher before Christmas!! JOIN US ON DECEMBER 16TH AT 6PM!!!

1 NA

Hi there,

Today we´ve talked about the stereotypes on page 27, we´ve corrected exercise 8C on that same page and we´ve also discussed the statements on that page. Besides, we´ve started lesson 2.4 "The Happiness Formula" and we´ve talked about what happiness is for ous, and we´ve done exercises1, 2 and 3 on page 28 plus exercises 4A, B and C on page 29.

Make the most of your free day!!And... BE HAPPY!!! :)

See you again on Wednesday!!

2 NB "A"

Hi there,

Today we´ve corrected your homework: the cloze test, the reading comprehension and the grammar exercises. We´ve also continued with our unit and we´ve done the vocabulary and speaking sections on page 35 and the vocabulary and listening sections on page 36.

Enjoy your free day!!! :)

See you in class on Wednesday!!

2 NB "B"

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve corrected the grammar exercises on page 136 and we´ve done the vocabulary and speaking sections on page 35. Besides, we´ve started lesson 4.2 and we´ve done the vocabulary and listening on page 36 plus the pronunciation section on page 37.

Homework: Grammar section on page 37.

REMEMBER: We have class tomorrow in room 210 at 5

BRITISH PRONUNCIATION - A NIGHTMARE??

Language is alive and it evolves. So,if you are interested in finding out how the English language is changing...have a look at these videos:

1 NA

Hi everyone,

Yesterday we corrected exercise 5A on page 24 (The answers to the grammar exercises on page 131 are in another entry). We also did the speaking and function sections on page 26 and exercises 6, 7A, 8A and 8B on page 27.

Homework: exercise 8C on page 27, think about exercise 7B (what´s your opinion about those stereotypes?) and the letter of complaint.

1 NI

Hi everyone,

Today we´ve corrected the cloze test about work and we´ve done a listening activity about an English cook and his restaurant in Chile. We´ve also done the pronunciation, grammar and the two speaking sections on page 29.

Homework: Reading comprehension "What´s for dinner?" // Writing: Advantages and disadvantages of the opening of Mercadona in Béjar.