PRONUNCIATION HELP: SOUND AND SPELLING

Hello!

English is said to be very difficult because what you write is not usually the same as what you read, for example, we write KNEE but say /ni:/, quite different, isn't it?

Believe or not, there are some common spellings which match to certain sounds, for example, _ee_ is commonly pronounce /i:/. It might be useful for you to learn these "rules" so as to be able to "predict" how to pronounce a word.

Click here to download a document dealing with the correspondence between sound and spelling.

Remember, there are always exceptions!

You my also find some useful advice on the BBC learning English website.


Hope it helps,

Ana

WRITING HELP: SENTENCE LENGTH AND USE OF PARAGRPHS

 




 Last Monday I gave you back your reviews after checking them. If you remember, I told you about the use of paragraphs and appropriate sentence length. 

Surfing the net, I have come across some useful sites to help you writing good sentences and combining them into good paragraphs.

Click on the different links below:



1. SENTENCE LENGTH: SHORT - LONG SENTENCES

2. MORE ON SENTENCE LENGTH (with audio)

3. PARAGRAPHS

4. PARAGRAPH LENGTH

5. WRITING TUTORIALS (to help you write good paragraphs)


Checklist for creating well-written paragraphs: 

· Does the paragraph cover one main idea?
· Is this main idea clearly presented in the topic sentence, or at least very clear?
· Does each sentence in the paragraph support the point made in the topic sentence?
· Is the paragraph organized in a logical way?
· Do the sentences flow smoothly from one to another?
· Is the main idea sufficiently developed with examples, details, arguments, statistics and/or facts? 

Hope it helps you improve your writing skills,

Ana

WRITING ACTIVITIES (pag. 121, 122)

Click here to check the answers to the writing activities on pag. 121 and 122 I told you to complete.

If you find it difficult to understand the different meanings of the conjaction "OTHERWISE", read the information provided here.

Examples:

I studied a lot for my mid-term exams. Otherwise, I wouldn't have passed them all! (IF NOT)

The concert venue was overcrowded. Otherwise, it was fun. (APART FROM THAT/ EXCEPT FOR THAT)

UNIT 4: THE MEDIA

Last Wednesday, with the great help of Kerrin, you dealt with the Media.

First, these are the two videos we watched. The first dealing with the Media in Briatain, and the second is the one that Kerrin played about the Media in the USA:



Click here for the script




Test your "media vocabulary": Click here to try an online quiz to check the vocabulary you know on the media.

 Do you like reading newspapers? Click here to access some of the British and American newspapers available online.

You may prefer watching and listening to the news, if so, click on the links below:

BBC news
SKY news
CNN
NBC news 

We'll continue with the topic next Wednesday.

Nice LONG weekend!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT "THANKSGIVING"?

Today, Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving. Here you have a video about the history of that American tradition:


What's said about....

• the pilgrims of Massachusset?
• the winter of 1620?
• the Wampanoag tribe?
• the autumn of 1621?
• a three-day feast?
• 1777?
• Sarah Josepha Hale?
• 1863?
• Macy's parade?
• family?

You can also click here to read about Thanksgiving Day.

Are you a good cook? Do you feel like trying a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?

                                                      

                                  Click here to learn how to prepare delicious Thanksgiving dishes.

Enjoy your meal!!!

UNIT 3: TECHNOLOGY

 

"How techie are you?" are you able to understand all these terms and phrases?:

click the mouse, type a password, insert an image from Clipart, delete a file, browse a website, save a file, cut, copy and paste an image, install a program, download an MP3 file, edit a document, email a friend, chat, surf the Internet, log in to an account, print a document, connect to the Internet, create anew folder or file, scan an image, minimise/ maximise the window, bookmark a website, scroll up/down, attach a file, google (for) something

Now try to complete this blog page using the words in bold:

plug, scan, google, create, scroll, switch on, install, email, save, connect, print, copy and paste, type, download, minimise, edit,  play

22 February: I love my new PC

Cool, I have a brand new Pc. I .....it in, .......on the monitor, ...... my password, and ..... to the Net. I ....my favourite website, ..... down the menu and .... an MP 3 file of my favourite band.  I listened to it several times. It's awesome!
I .... for a nice site of car images. I .... about 20 photos of cool cars in a folder that I .......for my Technology Project. I also ..... some terrific photos of me and my friends and .... them.
I .... my favourite game on my new PC and played it for about an hour. When Mum entered my room, I .... the window and worked on my project.
When I finished my project, I ... and .... it to my Technology teacher. I also ..... it because I want to show it to my friends.
Mum's here again! I must go to bed. 
Nightie night!

(click on COMMENTS to check your answers)

Click on some interesting links to learn more vocabulary to talk about TECHNOLOGY:

Technology phrases: http://www.dcielts.com/exercises/vocab/technology-phrases.htm

Technology sentences: http://www.dcielts.com/exercises/vocab/technology-sentences.htm 

Gap fill essay: http://www.dcielts.com/exercises/vocab/technology-essay.htm

Internet terms: http://www.lingolex.com/internet.htm

Computers: http://iss.schoolwires.com/page/14934

Mobile phones: http://wilsworldofwords.com/2010/06/english-vocabulary-for-mobile-phones-cell-phones.html

Test your vocabulary: http://www.learnenglishfeelgood.com/vocabulary/mobile-phone-vocabulary1.html

 

  Extra listening:

"Samgsung unveils new smartwatch"

Click here to listen to this piece of news. Mark these statements TRUE or FALSE:

a.	Samsung has introduced to the world its third and best smartwatch.	T / F
b.	The watch can run 16 apps on its screen.	T / F
c.	The body of the watch is made of stainless steel.	T / F
d.	Samsung has probably beaten Apple to the market by a few weeks.	T / F
e.	An expert said the Gear was too expensive to sell well.	T / F
f.	Another expert praised how innovative the Galaxy Gear was.	T / F
g.	The expert said it wouldn't be as popular as smartphones.	T / F
h.	Samsung said you would still need to get your phone out.	T / F

"Internet helps families stay more in touch" 

Click here to listen to the news. Mark the sentences TRUE or FALSE:

a.	Communication technology is reuniting people separated at birth.	T / F
b.	Family members are in more regular contact today than ever before.	T / F
c.	You often needed a stamp to keep in contact years ago.	T / F
d.	Many of our parents’ parents now keep up with technology.	T / F
e.	Technology has had a very negative effect on family communication.	T / F
f.	2% of a survey said technology worsened family communication.	T / F
g.	Families are building network connections inside their homes.	T / F
h.	A researcher said families only used to communicate in the evenings.	T / F

(Click on COMMENTS to check your answers)

UNIT 3: "MY BLACKBERRY ISN'T WORKING!"

Here you have the sketch from the BBC programme  "The One Ronnie Show":



To better understand the sketch, click here to read the script and find out the different words they use which have a double maning and make the scene that funny.

Do you feel like watching other sketches from this TV show? If so, click here

Hope you have fun,
Ana

UNIT 3: INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Indirect questions from Irenya S

Do you need further practice? Click on the links below:

THEORY AND SAMPLES

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

UNIT 3: SHOPPING COMPLAINTS

 


Hello everyone!

When was the last time you had to take something back to a shop?
What was wrong with it?

Click here for some listening comprehension practice.

Here you have some useful language to complain (if you are the customer) or to deal with complaints (if you are the shop assistant):

USEFUL LANGUAGE – COMPLAINING 

Making the complaint

• I’m ringing to complain about…
• I’m sorry, but I’m not satisfied with…
• Unfortunately, there’s a problem with…
• I am very dissatisfied with the service I received 

Insisting

• It really isn’t good enough
• I’d like to know why…
• I’d like an explanation for… 

Threatening

• If you don’t replace the product, I’ll complain to the manager
• If you can’t deliver on time, we’ll have to contact other suppliers 

USEFUL LANGUAGE – Dealing with Complaints 

Showing understanding

• I’m sorry to hear that
• Yes, I see what you mean
• I apologise for…
• I understand you're upset about

Getting the facts

• Could you give me some details, please?
• ·What happened exactly?
• What seems to be the problem? 

Making Excuses

• It’s not our policy to replace items
• It’s not our fault that it hasn’t arrived
• I’m afraid that’s not quite right
• I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do 

Promising action

• Ok, I’ll look into it right away
• I’ll check the details and get back to you

Another important thing for you is to know how to write a letter of complaint.
Click here for some information and samples.
 

UNIT 3: SHOPPING

Do you like shopping?

Do you usually haggle over the price?

Do you tend to go to street markets?

Have you ever shopped anyone?

Click here to download the board game about "SHOPPING" you played last Wednesday in class.

Do you remember Ali's story?
Here you have the video we watched in class in which she speaks about her addiction to shopping:



Enjoy your weekend,
Ana

UNIT 3: THINGS YOU NEED.

DESCRIBING OBJECTS AND THEIR PURPOSE

It's a bit too small
It's kind of cheap
It's made of wool
It's egg-shaped
It feels cold
It's used for removing your facial hair
I use it to clean the floor
You'll need one if you want to cut the grass.
Can I have a tin opener so I can open the tin, please?

This is the powerpoint I showed you in class to learn how to describe objects and their purpose:




You can also have a look at this website for further practice.

To finish, try this listening activity: 72- emergency kit

"THE LAZY SONG" by Bruno Mars

What do you feel like doing today? Are you gonna stay in and mess around?

You might just want to sit and relax while listening to some good music.

If so, these are two nice songs, both by Bruno Mars. The first one "The Lazy song", the one we listened to in class. The other one is called "Count on me", which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful songs ever written:







 "Count on me" lyrics

Enjoy your weekend,
Ana

UNIT 2: FUTURE FORMS

This is the powerpoint presentation on FUTURE FORMS I showed you in class:

Here you also have a review document to help you with future forms.

Click here and here for online activities to keep on working with future forms (present simple, continuous, going to and will). You can also visit this site to listen to a lesson about future forms.

If you prefer printed material, here you have a doc. with some activities (with answers).

Finally, these are the answers to the activity I told you to complte last day (it is activity 5 in the photocopy I gave you with different activities to practice FUTURE FORMS):

1. Mia's well qualified so she's bound to leave in the next month or so.
2. Look at those dark clouds- ther's going to be a storm in about an hour's time.
3. Claire's really upset- I'm not sure yet but I think she's on the verge of leaving her husband.
4. I'm thinking about leaving but I haven't made a decision yet.
5. My mother will be 40 years old this coming October.
6. We're not sure about our next holiday but one possibility is to take the kids to Disney Land.
7. Turn on the TV- they are about to announce the elections results.
8. The company hasn't made any decision on redundancies it all depends on the economic situation.

NEWSY

For those interested in being up-to-date, here you are a very useful site for you to wath the news.



NEWSY

UNIT 2: NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

 


Do you enjoy Carnival? Do you usually dress up at Carnival? Would you like to experience what it is like in Venice or Notting Hill at this time of the year?

This is the piece of news we listened to in class last day:



Notting Hill takes place in London, UK.
Overseas, in the States, there is another important Carnival in New Orleans. It is called "MARDI GRAS". Try this listening activity to find out about it:

MARDI GRAS (a comprehension activity)